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Still only 23, Hugo Ekitike has the proud boast of having already played alongside some of the best players in the world - and he looks set to continue that trend at Liverpool.
After a rollercoaster few days, the Reds look to be closing in on a new striker, with a deal for Ekitike looking as though it could be just around the corner for Arne Slot's side.
Personal terms have already been agreed after it became clear that Newcastle was not budging on Alexander Isak, and with Ekitike having handed in a transfer request, Liverpool’s long-term plan looks as though it will come to fruition soon.
The Reds look to be closing in on Ekitike just days after having an approach knocked back by Newcastle for Isak, and while the Swedish striker would have been the dream option, no time has been wasted in going after a more than able backup.
Should the move go through as expected, with just a deal to be agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt before Ekitike signs a six-year deal at Anfield, Liverpool will be getting its hands one of the most sought after forwards in Europe right now.
The 23-year-old scored 22 goals and added 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competition for Frankfurt last season, having made the permanent move to Germany from Paris Saint-Germain just last year.
It was in the French capital that Ekitike had the chance to play alongside some of the world’s biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappe and a certain Lionel Messi.
In fact, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner gave Ekitike an affectionate nickname during their time together in Paris, referring to the striker as “the iron rod.”
The name - as per Get Football News France - referred to the striker’s wiry frame, with the 6 ft 3 in Ekitike towering over the 5 ft 7 in Messi.
Ekitike struggled with injuries during his time with PSG, with the forward reported to have hired a personal trainer and physio in order to develop his body to cope with the rigours of top level soccer.
That seems to have paid off, with Ekitike making 48 appearances in total for Frankfurt last season, and his numbers show the benefit of his work off the pitch.
Liverpool will be looking to wrap up a deal for the Frenchman quickly as it steps up its pre-season preparations. The Reds will fly to Hong Kong on Sunday as they begin their tour of Asia, with two games scheduled before the end of the month.
They take on AC Milan on July 26 before flying to Japan to take on Yokohama F Marinos on July 30. Liverpool then returns to Anfield for a double header against Athletic Bilbao on August 4, before taking on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 10.
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