Young and talented French striker Hugo Ekitike, just 23 later this month, is about to complete a life-changing £79 million move to Liverpool. This contract has a fixed fee of £69 million. It includes an additional £10 million worth of performance-related bonuses, meaning it’s a big step for the player and club. Ekitike’s path to Liverpool has been paved by an impressive one-year odyssey with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he bagged 71 goals in all competition. That’s 22 goals in 48 matches in all competitions!
The young Frenchman was a major factor in helping Frankfurt secure a spot in the highly coveted UEFA Champions League. His standout displays have drawn interest from multiple clubs, but he’s made it clear that Liverpool are his first choice. This transfer is considered by many to be the high water mark of his career. He’s hoping to leave his imprint on the battle-tested English Premier League.
Medical and Finalization
Ekitike started his medical checks in London but should finish these by Wednesday. Once he’s completed and passed the medical, he’ll complete the transfer before Liverpool leave for their pre-season tour of Asia. One need only look at the excitement surrounding his switch to see that expectation. Most of all, they appetite to see how the young striker will adapt to the challenges of the Premier League.
The arrangement includes a strong funding model paired with large performance-based incentives. These bonuses are directly tied to Liverpool’s performance in winning trophies and Ekitike’s individual contributions on the pitch. Terms like this would speak to Liverpool’s expectation that Ekitike will have a huge impact in competitive campaigns to come.
“He always was a talented player but some coaches did not like him because of his profile and sometimes because of his character.” – Oscar Garcia
Background and Career Progression
Ekitike’s joy at rising through the academy ranks has not been without its challenges. Prior to his breakout year with Eintracht Frankfurt, he spent the second half of the 2017-2018 season on loan. He then displayed his talent at Danish club Vejle Boldklub in that interim. Prior to that run he was struggling to score — as he was in his first season with Reims. During that period, he was consistently viewed as the fourth-choice forward.
The 55-year-old, now in charge of the Red Bulls, was fundamental to Ekitike’s development during his time at Reims. He challenged Ekitike to raise his level. If he wants to go toe-to-toe with the best like Kylian Mbappe, he has to step it up. Garcia encouraged him to reach this level, stating, “Within months, he wanted to reach the same level as Mbappe.” His tenacity and development earned him a starting player role at Reims. Accordingly, Garcia needed to redefine his impact on the squad.
Competition and Interest
While it’s pretty darn clear that Ekitike has Liverpool as his number one choice, he’s drawn significant interest from several other clubs. That venture followed Newcastle United’s last club-record £70 million bid for the striker, which Eintracht Frankfurt turned down. This rejection proved Ekitike’s worth and promise for the future as a great talent and young starlet in European football.
Ekitike’s stature as one of the most intriguing talents in the entire transfer market is best illustrated by his signature contest. His affinity for Liverpool would prove to be the deciding factor that would afford this move to be possible. As he makes the leap into this exciting new Liverpool venture, it’s safe to say that expectations are sky high for both Ekitike and Liverpool.
“These were players with similar profiles from teams that were better than our team, but not at the distance Paris Saint-Germain were from us.” – Oscar Garcia
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