Hugo Ekitike set to 'follow Arne Slot's orders' at Liverpool over non-negotiable

Liverpool have agreed a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, and the Frenchman seems set to fulfil the demands that manager Arne Slot places on his centre forwards

Liverpool are close to completing the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who knows what's expected of him at Anfield. The Reds have targeted a new front man in their bid to retain the Premier League title.

Arne Slot’s side have already made several eye-catching moves in the transfer window. Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen as the club's record signing in a move worth up to £116million earlier this summer. Liverpool have also snapped up right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen, brought in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez and welcomed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.

However, the arrival of Ekitike, who is set to undergo a medical on Tuesday, would solve a key issue that the Liverpool manager has seemingly been keen to address.

The Athletic reports that playing as a centre forward for Slot means having to work hard off the ball, with Ekitike demonstrating his willingness to follow similar instructions out of possession in his time at Frankfurt.

That non-negotiable, in terms of being a proper team player from up top, is something Slot has looked for in the market. And it is reported that Ekitike will follow those orders while helping team-mates offer a regular threat in the box via his intelligent movement.

The 23-year-old scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances for Frankfurt as the German side finished third in the Bundesliga and reached the Europa League quarter-finals.

Liverpool have agreed an initial £69m fee plus a possible £10m in add-ons for the Frenchman. The transfer represents a significant profit for Frankfurt, who opted to make Ekitike’s loan from PSG permanent for approximately £14.3m (€16.5m) in April 2024.

As the Premier League champions have been targeting a young striker who will be a long-term focal point for the team, Ekitike fits the club’s criteria ahead of signing a six-year deal.

Liverpool boss Slot opted against relying on Darwin Nunez for much of the team’s title-winning campaign, with the Uruguayan only being handed eight league starts.

Nunez had been heavily linked with a move to Napoli but the Italian club have signed Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca, leaving the Liverpool star’s next steps in doubt. Slot reaffirmed the importance of a striker’s work-rate in his criticism of Nunez’s reaction to a missed chance against Aston Villa in February.

“I can accept every miss, especially from a player that has scored two very important goals against Brentford, that scores for us in the home game against Villa,” Slot said. “That I can accept but what was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance.

“With behaviour, I mean, I think it got too much in his head, where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team. I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance and maybe – we will never know, we will never find out – that's why he was just a fraction short the moment afterwards.”

Liverpool’s determination to find the right striker to improve the team was shown by their interest in Newcastle United star Alexander Isak. The Reds were reportedly willing to pay up to £120m for Isak, but Newcastle insist the forward is not for sale.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have stood firm in terms of their own outgoings. Last week, the club rejected a £58m (€67.5m) bid for Luis Diaz from Bayern Munich.

It is claimed that the winger wants to leave Liverpool but the club have no intention of cashing in on the Colombia international. He is currently part of Liverpool's squad for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan.