Liverpool fans were made to wait just a little longer for their next big signing. Hugo Ekitike’s scheduled flight to England on Monday morning was pushed forward by a day. But don’t panic — it’s not a red card situation.
The delay came as final paperwork between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt was still being signed, as per Fabrizio Romano.
All sides remain relaxed, and there are no issues with the transfer. In fact, the 23-year-old striker is now set to land tomorrow, undergo his medical immediately, and then put pen to paper on a six-year deal.
Once the formalities are complete, Ekitike will become Liverpool’s seventh signing of a massive summer window under head coach Arne Slot.
The Reds have now spent close to £300 million this summer, with Ekitike’s deal alone worth up to £79 million — £69 million up front and £10 million in performance-based add-ons.
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Why Liverpool wanted Hugo Ekitike?
Liverpool had been eyeing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but with no progress on that front, the focus shifted to Hugo Ekitike — and quickly.
Talks moved fast last week, with Eintracht giving Liverpool the green light to discuss personal terms.
The France U21 international scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more in his first Bundesliga season, helping Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League.
Newcastle reportedly had a £70 million bid turned down, but Ekitike preferred a move to the Premier League champions.
He’ll now link up with Slot’s squad later this week during their 10-day pre-season tour in Hong Kong and Japan. Liverpool’s medical team and sporting director Richard Hughes stayed behind in the UK to make sure everything goes through smoothly.
So, while the plane may have been late, the plan is still right on time.
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