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Hugo Ekitike is set to sign a six-year contract at Liverpool when his move from Frankfurt is formalized, and a remarkable claim from a German journalist suggests he is set to earn a bumper salary on Merseyside.
Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg says the terms of Ekitike's transfer, which one legendary manager has questioned, could see him earn up to $337,500 per week, a claim which some fans are understandably questioning.
Plettenberg wrote on social media platform X: "If all goes according to plan, Hugo Ekitike is set to start his medical for Liverpool today. This will be followed by a contract until 2031, with a salary of up to €15 million gross per year. Transfer fee: €90 million plus €5 million in additional bonuses."
The stated sums regarding Ekitike's salary equate to $337,500 per week, which would make him the team's third-highest-paid player behind Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, and ahead of fellow new signing Florian Wirtz.
It's worth noting that figure does include bonuses, but even so, that is a huge sum of money for a player who is unproven at the very highest level, which led to some fans questioning Plettenberg's figure.
"Florian, there is no way he’s getting that wage. It would make him 3/4th best paid player at the club," one X user responded."
Another wrote: "There's no way Liverpool are giving a 23yo 15m a season."
Ekitike has just completed the best season of his career, scoring 22 goals in all competitions to help Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League. He was previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored four goals in 33 appearances before moving to Germany.
Right now, it's too early to say exactly what Ekitike's salary at Liverpool will be.
Ekitike boarded a jet to the UK on Tuesday ahead of undergoing a medical in London before jetting out to China to link up with his new teammates on the Reds' pre-season tour of the country.
The transfer comes after a rollercoaster week in which the Reds have moved quickly in order to secure Ekitike’s signing, having been knocked back with their approach to Newcastle for Alexander Isak.
That particular saga looks as though it may not be over, with speculation growing over Isak’s future after he was sent home by Magpies boss Eddie Howe before their friendly against Celtic on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Reds will face AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26, before facing off against Yokohama F. Marinos in Yokohama on July 30.
Liverpool then returns to England for back-to-back friendlies against Athletic Club at Anfield on August 4, before the Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley six days later.
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