3 weeks ago
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Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike has reportedly submitted a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt, in an attempt to expedite his move to Anfield. It comes after Liverpool has agreed terms with the forward.
The French forward has become Liverpool's prime target this summer, with the club seemingly moving on from Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who could have set them back by around £125 million ($167.7M). Liverpool has since made their move for Ekitike - a player also pursued by Newcastle, who saw their £70M ($93.9M) bid for the striker turned down.
The Premier League champions are now leading the race for Ekitike's signature, buoyed by indications that he is eager to join Arne Slot's squad. And here's how he can lineup for the Reds this season.
Liverpool may need to meet Ekitike's release clause, believed to be around £86.5M ($116M), but he still presents a more affordable alternative to Isak.
In a bid to facilitate the move, the 23-year-old France international has now submitted a transfer request at Frankfurt. As per Sport Bild, Ekitike is prepared to push for his high-profile transfer and has taken the initiative.
Newcastle had hoped to pair Ekitike with Isak, but it appears Liverpool has secured the more favourable deal. Slot already boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa.
However, the aim is to alleviate the goalscoring pressure on Salah and bolster the attacking options. The club's commitment to maintaining a formidable attack was evident when they turned down Bayern Munich's £58.6M ($78.6M) bid for Luis Diaz.
Liverpool has already secured six new signings this summer - including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and record acquisition Florian Wirtz - who joined for a British record transfer fee of £116.5M ($156.3M).
The Reds have also welcomed goalkeeper Giorgi Marmadashvili from Valencia and have snapped up shot-stopper Freddie Woodman following his departure from Preston and Armin Pecsi.
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