Did Liverpool Just Sign Frankfurt Forward Ekitike?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hugo Ekitike has been signed by Liverpool for an initial fee of £79 million.
- The forward scored 22 goals in the previous season.
- Ekitike will be joining his new teammates in Hong Kong for preseason.
- This transfer marks Liverpool's fourth major signing this summer.
- Liverpool's total spending this summer has exceeded £250 million.
London, July 23 (NationPress) Premier League champions Liverpool have made a significant move in the transfer market by securing striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of £79 million (approximately $106 million). Liverpool announced on their social media platforms on Wednesday that "we have finalized an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, pending international clearance."
The 23-year-old has passed his medical and has come to terms with the club, allowing him to travel to Hong Kong to join his new teammates for their preseason tour of Asia later this week, according to the club statement.
Ekitike becomes the fourth major acquisition of the summer for Arne Slot's squad, following the signing of Florian Wirtz for over £110 million and defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
The Frenchman, capable of playing in various attacking positions, arrives at Anfield after netting 22 goals in 48 appearances last season, along with over a dozen assists, as reported by Xinhua.
Liverpool's summer spending has surpassed £250 million, though they may offset some of this expenditure if Luis Diaz completes a transfer to Bayern Munich for a deal exceeding £60 million. Additionally, Darwin Nunez is also rumored to be leaving, and Federico Chiesa has been excluded from Liverpool's preseason squad for the Asia tour, hinting he might also depart.
Just days ago, Liverpool confirmed that they had successfully outmaneuvered other contenders to finalize the agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for the signing of Hugo Ekitike.
In a statement released on Monday, the club declared: "The Reds and the German club have agreed on a transfer deal reported to be £69 million with an additional £10 million in potential add-ons."
Ekitike traveled to Merseyside to undergo a medical exam and finalize a long-term contract with manager Arne Slot's team.
Last Saturday, the 23-year-old was an unused substitute in a preseason friendly as discussions regarding his future were underway. Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions last season, playing a crucial role in helping Eintracht secure a spot in the Champions League.