By John Boston
Liverpool have taken their summer spending to over £250million after confirming the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 23-year-old has joined for an initial fee of £69million, plus £10million in add-ons, and will now fly out to join his new Anfield team-mates on their pre-season tour of the Far East.
Reds boss Arne Slot moved quickly for the Frenchman after seeing his initial interest in Alexander Isak rebuffed by Newcastle.
The new Liverpool frontman was also the subject of a £70million bid by the Magpies earlier this month, while he also reportedly attracted a late bid from Manchester United.
But his heart was already set on a move to Anfield.
Impressive record last season
Ekitike scored 15 goals in 31 starts as Frankfurt finished in an impressive third place in last season’s Bundesliga.
He brings more to the Liverpool squad than just goals though – he also recorded eight assists for a total of 23 goal involvements.
One more than new team-mate Florian Wirtz (10 goals, 12 assists).
He also had 117 shots on goal – the most in the Bundesliga.
He leaves Frankfurt with words of praise from sporting director Markus Krosche, who told the club’s website:
“Hugo has developed tremendously in his one and a half years with us and has been a true asset to our team and the entire club both on and off the pitch.
“We are delighted that he can now take the next step – a step he has earned through his performances with us.”
READ MORE: Football news: Marcus Rashford leaves Manchester United, joins Barcelona on loan
Slot’s spree may not be over
The only arrival at Anfield last year was Italian attacker Federico Chiesa.
For the upcoming season, Ekitike becomes Slot’s seventh signing, with Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper-trio Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman and Armin Pecsi already putting pen to paper.
And the Dutchman’s spree may not be over.
Slot has recently been linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Rodrygo, who could arrive as a direct replacement for Luis Diaz, should the Columbian be sold to Bayern Munich.
Ekitike’s arrival could also hasten the departure of Darwin Núñez, who never established himself as a first-team regular throughout his time at Liverpool, including the side’s title-winning campaign.
The Uruguay international has been the subject of interest from Serie A clubs and will have done his chances of securing a move no harm with four goals in two pre-season appearances so far.
READ NEXT: Man Utd news: New signing Bryan Mbeumo vows to ‘reach another level’ at Old Trafford
SportJustSport writers