6 days ago
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Eintracht Frankfurt has reportedly withdrawn from the pursuit of a new central midfielder as the German club edges closer to finalizing Hugo Ekitike's transfer to Liverpool. The Reds have come to terms with Frankfurt over Ekitike's move.
Liverpool has hammered out a deal that will see them fork out a guaranteed $93 million (£69 million) to the Bundesliga outfit, with an additional potential $13M (£10m) in add-ons contingent on both club and player success.
Last season, the forward netted 22 goals across all competitions, including 15 in the Bundesliga, helping Frankfurt secure their place in the Champions League. Despite already boasting one of the Premier League's most formidable front lines, Liverpool is keen to strengthen its attack this summer.
Amid these negotiations, Frankfurt seem to be having difficulty finalizing its own deals. Florian Plettenberg reports that Porto is now poised to sign FC Copenhagen midfielder Victor Froholdt this summer, despite Eintracht having verbally agreed to his signing.
It is understood that Frankfurt withdrew from a move for the 19 year old due to the financial implications of the deal.
This transfer seemed set to go ahead after the Bundesliga team agreed on a contract until 2030, but it now appears that this move is off. Whether this development directly affects Liverpool's bid for Ekitike remains uncertain.
At the very least, it serves as a reminder for the Reds not to take their pursuit of the striker for granted. A transfer isn't officially sealed until the player is proudly displaying the shirt.
Once the formalities of Ekitike's transfer are concluded, it is hoped that the player will then jet off to join the Liverpool squad in Asia later in the week. Arne Slot's men face AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday before heading to Japan to play Yokohama F Marinos the following Wednesday.
Newcastle had been keen on the forward, amid increased speculation over Alexander Isak's future, with the Swede also a target for Liverpool.
Frankfurt turned down a bid of $93M (£69.4m) from Newcastle United last week with none of the add-ons agreed, and was seeking a package closer to $117M (£86.7m).
The Magpies stepped away from the negotiation table once the player expressed his desire to join Liverpool, who has now successfully reached an agreement.
Isak meanwhile is wanted by clubs in Saudi Arabia after reportedly growing frustrated with the Newcastle board for not honoring the promise of a new contract.
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