Arne Slot repeated Florian Wirtz transfer trick to convince Hugo Ekitike to join Liverpool

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot succeeded in persuading Hugo Ekitike to join the club by outlining precisely how the striker would slot into his tactical framework at Anfield during a video conference.

The Reds have emerged victorious in securing the coveted Eintracht Frankfurt sensation despite rivalry from Newcastle and a host of other clubs. The Premier League title holders have reached agreement on a comprehensive package totalling approximately $106 million (£86 million).

This represents another substantial investment in Bundesliga talent following their British transfer record acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz earlier in the summer, who was equally captivated by Slot's methodology.

However, Liverpool demonstrated its determination to recruit a new frontman by approaching Frankfurt and pledging a considerable sum after Newcastle's $94M (£70m) offer was turned down.

Ekitike will be joining a stellar squad that has recently claimed the championship, but L'Equipe has revealed how Slot sought to persuade the Frenchman to join Liverpool during a video conference, outlining his role in the team's intense pressing game.

He also clarified to Ekitike his integration into the side's possession-based approach and the potential for him to drift deeper to collect the ball - with the player reportedly "seduced" by Slot's thorough tactical breakdown.

It is suggested Slot made particular reference to his 4-2-3-1 system and how Ekitike would function as the central figure within this structure.

The Kop chief outlined his vision of Ekitike being crucial to their tactical development, featuring a more inventive and dynamic center-forward.

Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool earlier in the summer

The Dutch manager employed a comparable approach to secure Wirtz last month for a substantial £116.5m fee, despite fierce competition from clubs such as Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

His father Hans-Joachim disclosed the extensive efforts Slot made to persuade Wirtz, utilising a strategy similar to that deployed for Ekitike by explaining precisely how the player would feature in their tactical framework and the ways he could enhance his performance within the squad.

"Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch," he said. "He's also a very pleasant person. Florian's best coaches have always been those who gave him plenty of freedom. And those with the greatest empathy have also reached Florian.

"He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism. Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas.

"This made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive."

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