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Yet another big signing looks to be in the works for Liverpool as Arne Slot continues his overhaul - but he has already been warned about Hugo Ekitike.
A deal looks to be in the works with Eintracht Frankfurt for the striker after personal terms were agreed on Thursday, with Ekitike all set to sign a six-year deal at Anfield should the transfer go through.
It would see Liverpool provide an answer to one of its most pressing concerns following last season’s title win, and after tracking him for some time, he could be the ideal addition to an already potent front line.
The move for Ekitike comes after a hectic few days in which it seemed a distinct possibility Liverpool could land Alexander Isak. Having been met with a firm response by Newcastle though, the Reds have wasted no time in going after their backup plan.
Should the deal go through for Ekitike, Liverpool will be getting one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, having scored 22 goals and added 12 assists for Frankfurt last season.
Despite his contributions firing the German side to a place in next season’s Champions League, doubts have already been expressed about the 23-year-old’s suitability for Liverpool.
Back in April, former Arsenal and Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit admitted he didn’t think Ekitike was ready for a move to one of the Premier League’s big guns, sending a direct warning to Liverpool in the process.
“Honestly, I’ve seen him playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He was a little bit too young to play for a huge club like Paris Saint-Germain,” Petit told pokerfirma.com.
“Now he’s having a good time in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt. I think it’s probably too soon for him to come to a top top club like Arsenal or Liverpool – I’m not sure if he’s ready to be the main man at a club chasing a Premier League title.”
Ironically, Petit would go on to suggest he might be a better fit as a replacement for Isak at Newcastle - the Magpies failed with a bid for Ekitike earlier this week, springing Liverpool into action.
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“Could he be a good replacement for Isak if Newcastle let him go? Possibly, but it’s still a huge amount of pressure to replace a player like that,” Petit said.
“It’s a similar situation with Manchester United. Can he carry the burden of scoring the goals for that club at his age?”
Liverpool.com says: Ekitike is undoubtedly more of a gamble than Isak would have been had a deal been possible for the Newcastle striker. Since it appeared it wasn’t, Liverpool had to move quickly for what will hopefully be the next best thing.
Ekitike is still young, so there is still room for him to develop, and hopefully he will take to the Premier League much better than Darwin Nunez. There will be some pressure on him to deliver quickly though as he makes the step up to join the Reds.
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