Chelsea setback could open door for Liverpool to strike | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Collapse in Ekitike Deal Offers Fresh Window for Liverpool

In an increasingly fevered transfer market shaped as much by Champions League qualification as by raw financial clout, Chelsea’s failed attempt to secure Hugo Ekitike before the Club World Cup may now tilt the scales in Liverpool’s favour.

Frankfurt stance reinforces valuation tensions

Ekitike’s burgeoning value mirrors his evolving role at Eintracht Frankfurt. After a stellar season of 22 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, including 15 in the Bundesliga and four in the Europa League, Frankfurt have understandably hardened their stance. The forward, still only 22, has quickly become a €100 million asset—at least in the eyes of his current employers.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea, in contrast, have signalled reluctance to meet that valuation. According to reports, their ceiling hovers around £65-70 million, or roughly €75-84 million. The difference, while not enormous in financial terms for a club of Chelsea’s spending power, represents a broader strategic recalibration. If nothing else, it offers Liverpool a crucial insight into what it will take to tempt Frankfurt.

Chelsea fall short as Liverpool stay alert

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea’s efforts to sign Ekitike ahead of the Club World Cup have broken down. “A Club World Cup deal for Hugo Ekitike to Chelsea FC has collapsed,” he posted on X. “There is still no full agreement and no official offer to Eintracht Frankfurt. Chelsea and Ekitike remain in talks for the summer transfer window – but Liverpool are still in the race. One to watch in the coming weeks.”

While Chelsea remain engaged in dialogue with both club and player, the failed push injects a measure of momentum into Liverpool’s interest. Arne Slot’s system, built around forward mobility and off-the-ball pressing, would benefit from a striker with Ekitike’s capacity to combine link-up play with movement.

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical fit may define next move

This is where Liverpool’s approach could differ. Ekitike is not merely a goal-getter, but a facilitator, a forward who thrives on intelligent spacing and defensive work rate. That suits Slot’s vision far more clearly than Chelsea’s recent oscillations between tactical templates.

Liverpool’s challenge will not just be about the financial outlay, but about selling Ekitike on a clearly defined role—one that could place him at the heart of a new-look front line at Anfield.