This summer Liverpool wants to add new faces by their side with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong among those who can be signed, but the Reds have come across a problem with another Bundesliga star
Chelsea is not ready to suspend their transfer interest in Hugo Ekitike, despite the match of a deal to sign Liam Delap. Liverpool -Manager Arne Slot had already identified the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, with conversations that progressed with a movement.
He was seen as a possible replacement for Darwin Nunez – The Uruguayan striker was associated with an exit from Anfield in the coming months. But it seems that a move to Merseyside is no longer the only option for Ekitike if he wants to make the switch to England.
According to Sky in Germany, the attacker is watched by Premier League -rival Chelsea. It is suggested that the blues are still insisting on his signature, even though they are also about to close a deal for Liam Delap.
Chelsea has decided to activate a release clause of £ 30 million in his contract to Portman Road. Manchester United was previously credited with an interest, but now seem to have fallen behind in the race for Delap.
The former Manchester City Forward has enjoyed a productive debut campaign in which Ipswich scored 12 goals despite the immediate return of the club to the championship. Ekitike, 22, also scored this term after 22 times in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Recently, former CEO of Frankfurt and the current board member, Axel Hellmann, confirmed that there was Premier League interest in Ekitike. He said: “I would like to have him in Frankfurt for another ten years, if possible.
“But we are realistic. He is currently one of the best players with a high potential in Europe and he is only 22. That means he has a big future.
“He is a smart guy. He likes listening and learning. I would love it that he will stay for a few years. But the market is the market and half of the Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.”
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He added: “In addition to the Premier League, there are other markets for him that he has opened doors with his performances. I think he would also fit in other competitions and with large clubs in South Europe.”
Ekitike started his career with French Side Reims before moving a big money to Paris Saint-Germain. He has been borrowed in the past term to Frankfurt, where the German club activated a permanent option in the deal. He has left for four years to walk on his contract.
Away from Ekitike, Liverpool seems to sign two of his Bundesliga colleagues. Jeremie Frimpong has flown to the UK to undergo a medical, while his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz has also been identified as an important target.