4 weeks ago
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Liverpool's transfer prospects have been given a lift as Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly eye a replacement for Hugo Ekitike.
The Reds have already splashed the cash since the summer window opened, and there are indications that their spending spree isn't over yet, with stronger links to strikers surfacing this week. One name that has cropped up is Ekitike, Frankfurt's forward who netted 22 goals last season. According to The Athletic, Liverpool has made initial contact with the Bundesliga club, following Newcastle's rejected bid for the player.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Liverpool's long-standing interest in Newcastle's star man, Alexander Isak. The striker has already expressed his feelings on transfer speculation to Toon legend Alan Shearer.
Currently, it's unclear how this transfer saga will unfold.
If the saga ends with Ekitike being the most likely candidate to make the move to Anfield, then Liverpool can take heart from reports that Frankfurt has already identified a replacement.
German outlet BILD suggests that 21-year-old Franjo Ivanovic is a "hot" contender to join the Eagles, funded by the proceeds from selling their current striker. However, there's no indication that any moves have been made toward securing his signature.
Last season, Ivanovic found the back of the net 24 times in 56 appearances for Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
Frankfurt's potential replacement for Ekitke could pave the way for Liverpool to snap up the club's star player in a summer transfer.
However, this also leaves an opening for Newcastle, who are currently in talks with the German club to bring the 23-year-old to the Premier League.
Chiefs at St. James' Park will undoubtedly face a challenge in this transfer saga, as they aim to outdo the reigning Premier League champion in securing a top striker, while also retaining their own key player.
There is increasing speculation that Isak might be enticed by a fresh challenge at Anfield, with reports indicating that the 25-year-old's agent has already held contract renewal discussions with manager Eddie Howe earlier this month.
As of now, nothing has materialized from these talks and the forward is participating in pre-season training as usual.
Liverpool has previously shown its willingness to break the British-transfer record with a hefty £116 million ($155 million) fee for the signing of German midfielder Florian Wirtz, and it is thought the Reds would need to exceed this amount to secure Isak.
Thanks to the astute efforts of Liverpool's decision-makers over several years, the cost should not pose a problem, with approximately £200 milion ($267.6 million) leeway against Profit and Sustainability Rules restrictions available for more signings in summer 2025. Consequently, affording Ekitike should not be an issue either.
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