REDS GET THEIR MAN

LIVERPOOL have agreed a £69 million (R1.6 billion) fee with Eintracht Frankfurt for striker Hugo Ekitike, with further discussions ongoing regarding potential bonuses.

The total value of the deal could rise to £78m, depending on the structure of add-ons, which remains under negotiation. Both clubs are optimistic about reaching a full agreement, though some details still need to be finalised.

Liverpool turned their attention to Ekitike earlier last week after being informed that Newcastle would not sell Alexander Isak.

The 23-year-old is open to a Premier League switch and prefers a move to Liverpool, having already seen a Newcastle bid rejected.

Ekitike was left on the bench during Frankfurt’s pre-season match against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday. After the game, the club’s manager described his likely departure as “a bitter loss,” according to Sky Germany.

Ekitike enjoyed an jitz season in 2024-25, scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances and playing a key role in Frankfurt’s Champions League qualification.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds Isak’s future at Newcastle, despite baas Eddie Howe expressing confidence the striker will remain at the club this season.

Isak missed the 4-0 pre-season loss to Celtic – not due to injury, but because Howe sent him home amid rising transfer speculation, notably from Liverpool.

Though Newcastle insist he is not for sale and value him at £150m, interest persists, with Arsenal also previously monitoring him.

Howe said the decision to exclude Isak was to protect the player, acknowledging the “noise” affecting him. He called Isak “irreplaceable” and vital to the team’s ambitions.

Howe insists Isak will join the pre-season tour in Singapore and has praised his professionalism in training, but keeping him focused amid speculation may prove crucial in Newcastle’s plans for the season ahead.