'Here we go': Fabrizio Romano now confirms progress of Hugo Ekitke move that should benefit Newcastle United
Liverpool now look set to complete the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after muscling Newcastle United out of the way.
The Premier League duo looked set to go toe-to-toe in the market for the 23-year-old striker this summer after the Magpies made it clear that Alexander Isak was not for sale.
However, Newcastle soon backed away from the deal after opening talks with Frankfurt, and now Liverpool have agreed a deal starting at £69 million for the Frenchman.
That's around what Newcastle United had bid last week, but the Liverpool offer contains add-ons which, according to Sky Sports, could see the price rise to £78 million.
Liverpool are close to wrapping up a £78 million deal for Hugo Ekitike
This morning, Fabrizio Romano gave the deal the 'here we go' stamp of authenticity, so it now looks as though the deal is ready to go ahead.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, here we go!
Deal in place for fee over €90m for the French striker to join from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially reaching €95m.
Six year deal for Ekitike, valid until June 2031; he only wanted Liverpool move.
New striker for Slot 🇫🇷
Is this the end of the Alexander Isak speculation for at least another year?
This should all but end Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak for this summer at least, with the Reds having already spent £116 million on Florian Wirtz as well as bringing in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez among others.
The steep fee Newcastle would demand to even talk about letting Isak go would likely push Liverpool too far into the red for one window.
Hopefully, with this news, Alexander Isak can start to regain his focus after Eddie Howe sent him home from Scotland, so he was out of the media firing line yesterday.
