'Liverpool is signing a player like Alexander Isak - I'm excited to see how he does'

Liverpool is edging closer to confirming a transfer deal for Hugo Ekitike with the France U21 international set to arrive for a fee that could reach $106 million (£79 million) including add-ons.

And the former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant is a big fan of the deal, drawing comparisons to Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who Liverpool has also registered an interest in. "I think Ekitike is certainly good enough to be Liverpool’s starting number nine this season in the Premier League," Pennant told Adventure Gamers.

"He’s got good feet and has a similar stature and style to that of Alexander Isak. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to put the same kind of numbers up, though.

"He’s a good player. With regards to the price tag, it’ll only be the maximum number if he hits the heights the club has set for him.

"If he does, then it’s definitely money well spent. Liverpool will save on a small amount in add-ons if some of those targets aren’t reached.

"I think it’s a top signing. In this window, you can’t get a top striker in the current market for under £60-70 million. I’m excited to see how he does."

Last season, which was his only full campaign in Germany having moved to Frankfurt on loan initially in February of last year, Ekitike scored 22 goals.

When Omar Marmoush moved to Manchester City in January, he took on the mantle of being the main man under Dino Topmuller. Frankfurt finished in the Champions League places, largely as a result of Ekitike stepping up.

Not everyone is convinced, though. Neil Warnock, the former QPR and Crystal Palace manager, has already criticized the deal, hinting that the fee might be too high.

"Isn’t it a lot of money for someone who, yes he’s had a good season, but there’s so many question marks about what he’s going to be like," Warnock said on talkSPORT.

"I don’t know where the money is going now. Ninety million for that? I just think it’s too much of a gamble."

Liverpool.com says: Ekitike is not the finished article but in many ways, that is the most exciting thing about him. The Frenchman is already a very clever player but he has scope to reach another level, which he should be able to do at Liverpool.

With Arne Slot coaching him and Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah setting up chances for him, Ekitike should have half a chance of being a success at Anfield anyway. The fee is large, but the potential of the 23-year-old is significant.

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