Reports on Thursday suggested that Liverpool have made an official offer to acquire Ekitike from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt. ..Continue Reading
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: “EXCL: Liverpool have submitted official bid to Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike!
“Eintracht already informed Liverpool that they want more, proposal rejected but it was initial contact as talks continue. Ekitike said ???????????? Liverpool, no issues on personal terms. He wants #LFC.”
Here’s a rewritten version of each sentence with varied language and structure, Bolu:
At 23, Hugo Ekitike is considered one of Europe’s top young strikers, having tallied 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches across all competitions.
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have been actively searching for a new frontman this summer, with names like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Benjamin Sesko all linked to the club.
After encountering setbacks in their pursuit of Isak from Newcastle, Liverpool now appear focused on securing a swift agreement for Ekitike.
Ekitike began his professional journey with Reims before making the move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
While at PSG, he shared the locker room with global stars such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, and Kylian Mbappe.
In October 2022, it came to light that Messi had dubbed Ekitike “the iron rod,” a playful reference to his ‘wiry frame’.
French news outlet Get Football News France wrote: “Messi, meanwhile, has taken to naming him “the iron rod” in reference to his wiry frame. The inury-prone forward has also hired a personal trainer and a physio in order to develop his body for the highest level.”
So far this transfer window, Liverpool have brought in Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez to bolster their squad.
In addition to Hugo Ekitike, several other names—Marc Guehi, Rodrygo, and Anthony Gordon—have also been linked with potential moves to Anfield.
Liverpool are set to kick off their Premier League title defense next month with a home fixture against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15.
Liverpool have ramped up their efforts to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike, hoping to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United to the punch.
Reds Ready to Splash for Ekitike
According to Fichajes, the Merseyside giants are serious about bolstering their frontline this summer, with 23-year-old Ekitike emerging as a prime target. After a frustrating spell at PSG, the young forward has reignited his career at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he’s become one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers.
Ekitike enjoyed a sensational 2024 season, racking up 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. His electric form has attracted plenty of attention, with Chelsea, United, and Liverpool all keen to secure his services.
Premier League Rivals Circle
Chelsea have already made attacking reinforcements this summer with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but Enzo Maresca reportedly sees Ekitike as a perfect fit for his high-tempo system.
Over at Old Trafford, new boss Ruben Amorim is determined to land a clinical No.9, with doubts lingering over United’s current striker options. Ekitike’s pace, finishing, and movement make him a tempting solution.
Liverpool Confident of Winning the Race
With Diogo Jota injured and Darwin Núñez’s future uncertain, Liverpool are eager to strengthen their attack for new manager Arne Slot. The club believes Ekitike fits perfectly into their project and are prepared to make a decisive early move.
The Reds are optimistic they can convince Ekitike with the promise of Champions League football and a leading role in a title-challenging side.
Frankfurt Set €100 Million Price Tag
However, there’s one big hurdle: Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly value Ekitike at €100 million. With four years left on his contract and multiple clubs circling, the German side are under no pressure to sell on the cheap.
Whether Liverpool are willing to meet that price remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Hugo Ekitike is shaping up to be one of this summer’s hottest transfer battles.
Liverpool have given the green light for Sunday’s opening pre-season friendly at Preston to go ahead as planned, on a Wednesday which saw more fixture news.
A big update on fixtures
Following the sad passing of Diogo Jota there was uncertainty over whether the trip to Preston on Sunday would take place.
But it has now been widely reported that, following consultation with players and staff and talks between both clubs, the 3pm kickoff will go ahead.
Preston are understood to have plans in place for tributes to Jota on what will be Liverpool’s first outing since he passed away last week.
Elsewhere on Wednesday it was announced that the Premier League clashes with Newcastle and Arsenal had been moved for TV coverage.
Jota scored 65 goals in his 182 games for Liverpool, with the club releasing a compilation of every strike from the Portuguese – from Arsenal to Everton.
In many ways, his first goal set the tone: a scruffy effort which left Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno stranded as it trickled into the far bottom corner.
Arguably Jota’s best goal was his turn and blasted finish against Everton to cap a 4-1 victory at Goodison Park in December 2021.
But his most impactful was almost certainly the winner as Liverpool came back to beat Tottenham 4-3 in April 2023 – coming seconds after Richarlison scored to make it 3-3 and making his gamer celebration iconic.
Elsewhere in the football world today
• Chelsea striker Pedro Neto has vowed to win the Club World Cup in tribute to his close friend Jota – saying “this final is for him and his brother” (BBC Sport)
• Arsenal have opened talks to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, in what would be the eighth first-team player to move to the Emirates from Stamford Bridge in 10 years (The Athletic)
Liverpool FC: On this day
On this day in 2003, Liverpool completed the £5 million signing of Harry Kewell from Leeds – arriving to huge excitement and inheriting the famous No. 7 shirt.
Unfortunately, Kewell’s time at Anfield proved disappointing on an individual level, making 139 appearances over five seasons but succumbing to persistent injury problems.
The Australian was forced off in both the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup finals, joining Galatasaray on the expiry of his contract in 2008.
Liverpool are reportedly “very interested” in signing Atalanta’s in-form forward Ademola Lookman this summer, according to Italian outlet TuttoJuve. The Reds are actively strengthening their squad ahead of the new season, and Lookman has emerged as a key target.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international is coming off the best season of his career. He scored 20 goals across all competitions, including five in seven UEFA Champions League appearances, and provided seven assists — tallying 27 goal involvements overall. His performances have made him one of Europe’s most consistent wide forwards over the last three years.
Having previously played in the Premier League for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, the London-born forward is no stranger to English football. A return to the top flight now looks increasingly likely.
According to TuttoJuve, Liverpool are among several clubs vying for Lookman’s signature — with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Juventus also in the race. However, Atalanta are not willing to let their star man go without a fight, reportedly slapping a £46 million price tag on him.
Diaz Out, Lookman In?
Amid speculation surrounding Luis Diaz’s future at Anfield, Lookman could be lined up as a direct replacement for the Colombian winger. Diaz has been linked with moves away in recent months, and Lookman — who is Premier League-proven and entering his prime — fits the bill as a like-for-like successor.
Liverpool have already made early moves in the transfer window, securing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. A big-money bid for Frimpong’s teammate Florian Wirtz has also been reported, underlining the Reds’ serious intent to challenge again next season.
With his speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing, Lookman would add dynamism and depth to Liverpool’s front line. Fans will now hope Michael Edwards can once again work his negotiation magic and bring the reigning African Footballer of the Year to Anfield at the right price.
The 2024/25 season was Andy Robertson‘s most underwhelming for Liverpool, and with interest in a transfer it promises to be a defining summer for the left-back.
Back in August, Robertson was entering into his eighth season at Anfield, where he has consistently been one of the best left-backs in the division.
Having passed his 30th birthday, though, there was a feeling that the years may finally have been catching up with him.
That proved to be true, and with a move to Atletico Madrid now a very real possibility, it presents a big question over how much Liverpool value their No. 26.
ANDY ROBERTSON, 2024/25
Started: 38 (All competitions) On as a substitute: 7 Unused sub: 9 Goals: 0 Assists: 2
Robertson’s dependability has so often defined him, with the left-back reliable defensively and rarely performing below a seven out of 10.
That swiftly changed in the early months of 2024/25, however, with immediate signs suggesting that chinks in his armour were appearing.
All of a sudden, it felt as though wingers had the better of Robertson, not least Bukayo Saka, who turned him inside-out en route to scoring for Arsenal at the Emirates.
A red card at home to Fulham was a clear low point in the 31-year-old’s season, following an awful first touch and foul on former Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson.
It was a moment that epitomised much of Robertson’s campaign, and the fact that there was as much scrutiny on his defending as Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s felt telling.
Too often, it felt like he was at the scene of the crime when Arne Slot‘s side conceded a chance or even a goal.
Granted, he only made one direct error leading to a goal in the whole season, but there was only one other in the previous five years combined.
For the first time, there were genuine calls for Kostas Tsimikas to oust him as first-choice left-back, which happened sporadically but never for an extended spell.
A champion but far from perfect
In true bullish Robertson fashion, he spoke back in February about those writing him off, suggesting that some of the criticism had been harsh.
“A lot has probably been spoken about me this season, which is something that I haven’t quite experienced in my time here,” Robertson told Sky Sports.
“It’s in one way pleasing because I’ve had seven years of going under the radar, but now this season there’s been a bit more spotlight on me. It’s part and parcel of football.
“I’ve seen it happen to players before and I will see it happen to people in the future. Obviously, it’s my turn now.”
While some may have disagreed, Robertson showed a spirited response to his dip, enjoying an improved remainder of the season.
His only assist of 2024/25 came at home to Arsenal – a perfectly executed cross to Cody Gakpo – and the errors were reduced.
Even the own goal against West Ham at Anfield was Virgil van Dijk‘s fault, which the left-back made sure to remind his captain of.
It is also worth stressing that Robertson’s season was still only ‘disappointing’ by his high standards – plenty of left-backs would be happy with the level he found.
By the end of 2024/25, he was a confirmed two-time Premier League champion, cementing his place near the top of the best left-backs in the competition’s history.
That said, he had been one of Liverpool’s more hit-and-miss players in a great season, which may explain what could be a pivotal summer.
A changing of the guard
Every great player eventually drifts past his peak and needs to be replaced, and that’s the brutal reality with Robertson currently.
And with Milos Kerkez now lined up as his successor, it comes as no surprise he appears to be considering a move away.
Atletico Madrid are his proposed destination, with suggestions Robertson himself is open to the move and that Liverpool would be willing to facilitate a smooth exit after eight years of incredible service.
Years of marauding up and down the left flank have understandably caught up with him, and his dwindling pace makes him a target for opponents, having previously been so rock-solid.
In Kerkez, Liverpool have a tailor-made successor lined up, with the 21-year-old a tenacious player carrying similar attributes to a young Robertson.
If he does opt to stay the Scot still has plenty to offer as a squad player, with Tsimikas widely considered the more expendable option.
There are after all more factors to consider beyond his immediate role on the pitch, as he is one of the most experienced players in the squad and one of their established dressing-room leaders.
But with only one year remaining on his current deal, both Robertson and Liverpool have a big decision to make.
The club’s ideal scenario may be seeing how he fares early next season and weighing up whether a new contract is the best outcome, but that could rest on the player’s own desires.
This summer feels like a changing-of-the-guard moment at left-back for Liverpool, but still too soon for a parting of the ways.
It would be just like him to fend off the threat of Kerkez and start the opening games of next season.
Liverpool has been actively negotiating in recent weeks, determined to finalize the transfer of the talented German midfielder. ..Continue Reading
On Friday evening, reports surfaced that the Reds had submitted a fresh offer to Bayer Leverkusen for the 22-year-old, signaling their strong intent to secure the deal.
The Times journalist Paul Joyce wrote on social media: “Liverpool have submitted a revised offer to Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz of £113 million as talks continue between the clubs.
“The package guarantees Leverkusen £100 million with the additional £13 million in add-ons.”
But, just hours after that news, one current Liverpool player, in the shape of Federico Chiesa, has reportedly expressed his desire to depart in the summer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said: “Understand Federico Chiesa’s priority for this summer transfer window is to return to Italy.
“Chiesa loves Liverpool but limited game time an issue and Italian clubs started contacts to be informed on potential deal conditions.”
Chiesa, 27, made the switch to Liverpool last summer from Juventus in a transfer reportedly valued at £10 million.
Unfortunately, the winger struggled with multiple injuries, preventing him from securing a consistent place in Arne Slot’s starting lineup.
Over the course of the season, Chiesa featured in just 14 matches across all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists.
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, he recently described the past year as one filled with “many difficulties.”
As reported by The Express, the Italian told Corriere dello Sport: “In the first few months there were many difficulties.
“If you think that I arrived in Liverpool on August 26 and found myself catapulted to another planet, with other teammates, without having trained with them, but with a trainer, no friendlies, nothing.”
Chiesa added: “(I was up against) the Ballon d’Or, or one of the candidates for the award (in Mohamed Salah). “(On the left) there were Luis Diaz and (Cody) Gakpo. Slot also made me play as a nine.
“The desire to play was there, I put it aside, I understood the situation. I put aside every form of individualism.”
It is no secret that Harvey Elliott is contemplating his future this summer and he has explained his possible motivations for doing so ahead of a summer tournament with England.
With 2,776 minutes during Jurgen Klopp‘s final season, Elliott would have hoped to be relied upon by Arne Slot in the same manner but he managed only 826 minutes this season.
The 22-year-old made valuable contributions, including five goals and three assists, but was starved of opportunities, leaving his future at his boyhood club in doubt.
He has been honest with what his future could entail as while he is not desperate to leave Liverpool, he knows the reasons why it will be up for discussion throughout the summer.
Speaking to members of the press at England’s training base, including Hayters, Elliott discussed his future at Anfield.
He said: “I think it’s a situation that me and, you know, the team on my behalf have to have a conversation about.
“Because coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m gonna be 23 next season, and I don’t really wanna be wasting years in my career because it’s a short career, you don’t know what’s gonna happen.
“Injuries and things could shorten it. So I think it’s a situation that, as I’ve said before, I need to reflect, I need to see if I’m content in doing what I’m doing and how can I improve as a player.
“That’s the most important thing, that’s the main thing really, I just wanna improve and be the best possible version of myself and the best player I can be.
“And if that’s to go somewhere else then it’s a decision that I’m going to have to make, I just need to see what happens.”
As for the possibility of moving abroad, Elliott added: “Yeah maybe, as I said, it’s a situation that me and my team need to reflect on, to look at and see what the best path is for me.
“It could still be difficult, nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, and the team I support them as well.
“But, as I said, most importantly it’s just about what’s best for my career and I just need to make that decision.”
Elliott will attract transfer interest but a decision on his future will likely be delayed as he competes in the U21 Euros with England, which gets underway on June 12 for the Young Lions.
Fellow Reds Tyler Morton and Jarell Quansah, who also experienced a tough 2024/25 season under Slot, are also part of Lee Carsley’s squad.
According to L’Equipe, Goncalo Ramos can leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, which will reportedly put the likes of LIVERPOOL on full alert as they are interested in the forward
The champions of Europe splashed an initial £55m to sign Ramos from Benfica in 2024 following a season-long loan, but he has become surplus to requirements, as the Champions League winners are not resting on their laurels as they look to cull their squad ahead of replenishing options for their defence.
Luis Enrique favours his unstoppable front three of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as well as Bradley Barcola, and it is claimed that PSG are listening to offers for Ramos.
It comes after Anfield Watch claimed that the Reds were plotting a move for the PSG outcast.
The Reds have been linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike but with Ramos on the market, he could be a cheap option. the outlet has claimed that Liverpool are weighing up a move while Julian Alvarez, Sesko and Ekitike are on the radar.
Ramos’ camp is said to have been talking to clubs around Europe and the Saudi Pro League after being informed that PSG wish to part ways.
IcFootballnews Says…
Ramos is a decent striker, he will score a few goals, but if he cannot lead that PSG attack, he will not be able to lead this Liverpool forward line, the Premier League is very difficult to play in on a weekly basis.
If Liverpool can get him for the right amount of money, he could be a solid signing to come off the bench and make a different, much like he does at PSG now, but we would not be surprised to see LIVERPOOL move on.
There are other clubs interested in Ramos that are desperate to add a striker to the side, Liverpool would be a great move for the man, but surely not the one he will be making this transfer window.
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Florian Wirtz may have to settle for a different shirt number if he completes his expected move to Liverpool this summer.
With the Premier League title secured at Anfield, Arne Slot is now shifting his focus to strengthening the squad ahead of next season.
Among the anticipated arrivals, Wirtz stands out as one of the most exciting prospects. ..Continue Reading
Despite interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, the German midfielder is widely expected to join Liverpool in the coming days as part of their summer recruitment drive.
However, Wirtz faces a challenge upon his arrival—his preferred number 10 shirt is already taken. At Bayer Leverkusen, he has worn the number for the past two seasons and hopes to continue doing so at Liverpool.
Currently, Alexis Mac Allister holds the number 10 jersey, and given his importance to the team, he is unlikely to relinquish it.
The shirt has been worn by several club legends, including Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho, making it one of the most sought-after numbers at Liverpool.
There is a possibility that Wirtz could claim the number if Mac Allister departs, as reports suggest Real Madrid is considering him as a replacement for Luka Modric.
However, Liverpool views Mac Allister as a key player, making a transfer unlikely.
Instead, Wirtz may opt for the number 27, which is currently available and was the number he wore when breaking into the senior team at Leverkusen.
For the German national team, he wears number 17, but that option may also be unavailable unless Curtis Jones leaves Liverpool this summer.
The club has had an outstanding season, securing the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first year as manager.
Slot faced the challenging task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp but quickly earned the trust of the Liverpool supporters. ..Continue Reading
With preparations underway for the transfer window, Liverpool is expected to make significant moves to strengthen the squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to depart when his contract ends, with a move to Real Madrid anticipated.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez have all been strongly linked with a switch to Anfield.
Following Liverpool’s draw against Crystal Palace, second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher appeared to signal his intention to leave the club.
He said to Optus Sport: “I think I’ve said it before as well that I feel like I’m good enough to be a number one.
“I feel like I’m good enough to play week in, week out – and that’s what I’m looking to do.”
Kelleher added: “This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games, but it’s definitely something I’m looking at.”
Caoimhin Kelleher has frequently stepped in as Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper behind Alisson Becker, proving to be a dependable option when called upon.
Throughout the latest season, he featured in multiple matches across various competitions, delivering solid performances and securing several clean sheets.
In recent months, speculation about his future has intensified, with several clubs—including Chelsea, West Ham United, and Newcastle United—reportedly interested in securing his services.
His situation has been under discussion ever since Liverpool finalized a deal to bring in Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
The Georgian goalkeeper is expected to compete for the starting role next season, potentially reshaping Liverpool’s goalkeeping hierarchy.
Speaking recently, Mamardashvili said: “They are looking at me as the Liverpool goalkeeper for the next ten years. So my next step will be the same as it was in Valencia, that I go and prove myself and show what I can do.
“The main thing is patience, training, and hard work. Everything else will come. I’m not considering another loan. I will spend next season at Liverpool, I think it will be good and training with Alisson will help me grow and gain experience.”
