'We let him go...' £80m star is now free to JOIN Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool are edging closer to completing their first deal of the summer, but another could be on the way soon.

It's going to be a busy period for Richard Hughes as the club's sporting director looks to establish his presence on the team and build a side tailor made for Arne Slot.

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The first part of that revolution looks set to be Jeremie Frimpong, who is now nearing ever closer to completing a spectacular move to Liverpool.

A former Manchester City academy graduate, Frimpong has established himself as one of the best full-backs in European football and he will be an astute replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He's also homegrown and still relatively young arriving at the peak of his powers. Of course, Frimpong will not be alone, he's just the first one in through the door.

One of Slot's priorities is to add extra pace and more dynamism to his squad. As Anfield Watch revealed exclusively, the club have held talks with Milos Kerkez back in November and he could be another new signing with the Reds definitely prioritising a move for a left-back.

Another priority is in attack as Liverpool look to replace Darwin Nunez, where a key target has just become available.

Why Hugo Ekitike is now free to join Liverpool

Anfield Watch exclusively revealed that Liverpool held talks with the representatives of Hugo Ekitike earlier this year. The Frenchman is considered to be one of the club's top targets for the no.9 position.

Ekitike's tactical versatility, speed and excellent technical prowess make him one of the most complete young forwards in European football.

Anfield Watch understands he would be available for around £80m and that Liverpool are seriously considering him even at that price range.

Ekitike finished the season with 34 goal contributions for Frankfurt in all competitions and scored a hat-trick against England's U21 side at international level.

There are few forwards who are as exciting as him and who would suit Slot's style of football better.

Now, the question is with Eintracht Frankfurt securing Champions League football, would they be willing to let him go?

Speaking after the club's final game of the season as per Sky Sports Germany, Frankfurt's sporting director, Markus Krosche confirmed that the club would be open to selling Ekitike and that they won't stand in his way.

"He's one of the most interesting strikers on the European market. Hugo has to decide that. I'm glad we have him. If he decides otherwise, that's our credo: If a player develops faster than us, we let him go," Krosche said.

This is eerily similar to what Krosche had said about Omar Marmoush before he made the switch to Manchester City. It confirms that Ekitike is free to leave the German side this summer and join Liverpool.