Journalist: Liverpool Set to ‘Miss Out’ on £84m Striker as Florian Wirtz Talks Continue | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitoring Ekitike Situation as Chelsea Talks Intensify

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike with talks progressing between the club and the player’s representatives.

RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported on Saturday that “a meeting took place between the two parties in recent days,” and confirmed “contact has therefore not been broken off, even though the deal has not progressed.”

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2024–25 campaign in the Bundesliga, amassing 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Frankfurt, well aware of the striker’s trajectory, have placed a significant price tag on their No.11, reportedly seeking €100 million (£84.3m). His contract, which runs until 2029, only strengthens their negotiating position.

Chelsea’s interest is understandable. With their current forward line misfiring for much of the campaign, their need is urgent. But urgency rarely results in value, and Frankfurt are unlikely to yield without firm assurances that their valuation will be met.

Liverpool Prioritise Wirtz Negotiations

Liverpool, meanwhile, remain in the background. Arne Slot and his recruitment team are giving precedence to negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, a player regarded by many as a generational talent.

This makes strategic sense. Slot, fresh from guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut season, appears determined to evolve the squad with precision rather than impulse.

Photo: IMAGO

The club’s long-standing interest in Wirtz is no secret, and insiders suggest that if a marquee signing is to arrive this summer, it is the 21-year-old German international who tops the list.

That said, with Chelsea’s pursuit of Ekitike intensifying, there’s growing risk that Liverpool could miss out on the striker if they don’t act swiftly.

Transfer Timing Plays into Liverpool’s Hands

Importantly, timing may favour Liverpool. Chelsea are thought to be pushing for movement ahead of the June 10 provisional deadline due to the upcoming Club World Cup, while the main summer window opens on June 16 and runs until September 1.

If Chelsea fail to finalise a deal before this early deadline, Liverpool may have a window of opportunity to manoeuvre. Much, however, depends on potential outgoings at Anfield and whether space can be made in both the wage bill and forward line.

A senior source close to the situation commented, “Frankfurt have every right to be asking top dollar. But it’s too early to say if Liverpool will step in. Wirtz is clearly the immediate focus.”

Photo: IMAGO

What Comes Next for Liverpool?

The Reds may yet test Frankfurt’s resolve if conditions shift later in the window. There is admiration within the club for Ekitike’s technical profile, mobility and ceiling.

His numbers in Germany this season rival some of Europe’s elite strikers, and with Liverpool still recalibrating their attacking depth following Roberto Firmino’s departure last year and uncertainty over Darwin Núñez’s long-term future, a forward signing is not out of the question.

What’s clear is that Liverpool are choosing patience over panic. Whether that approach leads to Ekitike or elsewhere remains to be seen.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this is a compelling summer story. Ekitike isn’t just flavour of the month. His performances for Frankfurt have shown maturity, flair and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

If Chelsea want to throw £84 million at the problem, so be it. But from a Liverpool perspective, it’s refreshing to see Arne Slot and the club prioritising Florian Wirtz. He’s a transformational player, and if signing him delays or reshapes the striker plan, it’s a gamble worth taking.

That said, many Reds would feel uneasy letting Chelsea walk away with Ekitike uncontested. There’s always the fear of watching him flourish elsewhere. The smart play might be to keep tabs on the situation, especially if Frankfurt soften their stance later in the window.

Slot has already delivered silverware. Backing him with elite young talent could lay the foundation for sustained success. If that includes Ekitike, Liverpool fans won’t complain.