Liverpool have moved back into pole position in the race to land Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. There has been speculation around the Frenchman this summer and, after Liverpool had looked to be at the front of the queue, Newcastle United emerged as favourites on Monday, with the Magpies having a bid turned down on Tuesday.
However, Liverpool reacted by registering interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. And when the message came back from the Magpies that the Swedish striker was not for sale the Reds upped the ante for Ekitike.
Isak Situation an Added Complication
There are several more twists left in this one, with Liverpool’s interest in Isak complicating matters. However, regarding Isak, he has three years left on his contract and Newcastle are in a strong position. As reported in the Athletic, while no formal offer has been made, Liverpool registered their interest and Newcastle insisted that Isak was not for sale.
However, should the player push for a move, things could change. At the moment bet365 have him priced at 8/11 to remain at Newcastle and evens to go to Liverpool before the transfer window slams shut.
Hugo Ekitike Transfer Odds
Liverpool have moved to the front of the queue again after Newcastle had a bid turned down on Tuesday. Check out the latest odds with some of the UK’s best betting sites on where Ekitike could be playing his football next season.
| Club | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 8/11 | bet365 |
| Newcastle United | 11/8 | bet365 |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 10/1 | bet365 |
| Any French Club | 25/1 | BetVictor |
| Manchester United | 33/1 | William Hill |
Odds correct on 16/07/2025 at 07:30. Odds subject to change.
Let’s have a look at the leading contenders.
Liverpool Leading the Chase for Ekitike
After adding five signings to their ranks, including Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool have a genuine interest in Ekitike. The Anfield outfit wants to bring a forward in ahead of the potential departure of Darwin Núñez, which would generate some funds.
The Reds are looking to defend their Premier League title and make a genuine assault on the Champions League. After Arne Slot brought home the title in his first season, the Anfield board are keen to back him.
After Newcastle had a bid turned down and stood firm on Isak, Liverpool made a greater play for Ekitike. We think Anfield is a likely destination. It it a move which could greatly appeal to Ekitike.
Howay Hugo: Newcastle Now 2nd Favourites
Newcastle have been linked with Ekitike for quite some time, but throughout the summer, the Magpies had been by no means considered favourites to sign him. PSR restrictions meant that many thought that the Geordies would be put off by the price tag and would prioritise other positions. There was also the pursuit of Joao Pedro who ended up at Chelsea. Many also felt that the player might not have been keen to play second fiddle to Alexander Isak.
However, things appear to have changed. The Toon seem to be confident that Ekitike’s value will increase on Tyneside and they want a striker who can compete with Isak, play alongside the Swede or operate out wide. The former PSG frontman ticks all of those boxes.
And Ekitike himself could well be up for the challenge of forcing his way into Eddie Howe’s starting lineup. Newcastle will be fighting on four fronts next season and if Howe has sufficient quality in depth, there will be rotation to avoid the type of injury crisis that hampered Newcastle’s ambitions two seasons ago.
Newcastle showed genuine interest in Ekitike in both the winter and summer transfer windows in 2022 before he signed for PSG. And as was proved with Anthony Elanga, United will go back to old targets. However, after having a bid turned down and facing competition from Liverpool this is less likely. We think that the Magpies’ desire to keep Isak may mean that they drop out of the race for Ekitike.
Ekitike to Stay Put: Don’t Rule it Out
It would not be a major surprise if Ekitike opted to spend another year with Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old opted to stay at Stade de Reims where he was playing well when Newcastle came calling in January 2022. He then endured a frustrating time when he moved to PSG that summer and failed to nail down a regular place.
Ekitike is playing well, scoring goals, and enjoying his football in the Bundesliga. The player may decide to stay put. Don’t rule this out.
