Hugo Ekitike to Earn £13M Per Year as Liverpool Medical Begins After Arne Slot’s Persuasive Call
written Story, Written by okafor joseph july 22,2025
Hugo Ekitike is set to complete his high-profile transfer to Liverpool this week, with the 23-year-old striker scheduled to begin his medical on Tuesday following a breakthrough agreement between the Reds and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool will pay an initial £69 million for the France U21 international, with up to £10 million in potential performance-based add-ons. The deal makes Ekitike one of the most expensive signings of the summer and highlights manager Arne Slot’s vision for revamping Liverpool’s attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Ekitike has already agreed to a six-year contract that will keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2031. His salary package, reported to be €15 million (£13 million) per year, places him as the third-highest earner at Liverpool—trailing only Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Notably, Ekitike will earn more than fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz, who reportedly takes home just over £10 million annually.
Ekitike leaves Eintracht Frankfurt after an impressive stint, having scored 26 goals and provided 14 assists in 64 appearances across all competitions. He was particularly prolific in the 2024/25 campaign, netting 22 times for the German side.
How Arne Slot Convinced Ekitike to Join Liverpool
Reports from L’Équipe indicate that a crucial video call between Ekitike and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot helped seal the deal. During the call, Slot explained in detail how Ekitike would fit into his tactical plans, particularly as the focal point in a 4-2-3-1 system. The Dutchman’s vision reportedly ‘seduced’ the young forward, who was convinced he would thrive both in and out of possession under the new manager.
Although Newcastle United previously pursued Ekitike and were considered frontrunners for his signature, their interest cooled as striker Alexander Isak appears set to remain at St James’ Park. Liverpool acted swiftly to secure the Frenchman, especially after a brief but unsuccessful inquiry into signing Isak.
Ekitike becomes Liverpool’s seventh signing of the summer, joining Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman. While he won’t take part in Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, Ekitike could make his debut against Athletic Bilbao on August 4.
The move signals a clear statement of intent from Liverpool as they aim to challenge for more domestic and European honors under Arne Slot’s leadership.
