Frankfurt's French forward #11 Hugo Ekitike reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1 FSV Mainz 05 and Eintracht Frankfurt in Mainz, western Germany on May 4, 2025. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Eintracht Frankfurt's top brass, CEO Markus Krosche, has laid down the law in stating that hotshot Hugo Ekitike won't go for a penny less than his hefty price tag, amid growing whispers of Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea circling, with an eye-watering £85million figure being bandied about.
The German outfit, still riding high from their third-place finish and subsequent Champions League qualification, are not in dire straits financially despite offloading Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for a cool £59m earlier this year, largely due to Ekitike's pivotal role in their success.
Talking tough to Wiesbadener Kurier regarding the sought-after striker, Krosche declared: "If the price isn't right, then he'll just stay with us," and firmly added, "We don't have to sell Hugo."
Sky Deutschland’s buzzing rumour mill has pegged both Liverpool and Chelsea as tenacious contenders in the quest for Ekitike’s signature, but neither appear likely to snap him up for a song from his current German suitors.
Meanwhile, Wiesbadener Kurier had pieced together clues hinting towards Eintracht's designs on Mainz sensation Jonathan Burkardt, yet they may be plotting to pair him with Ekitike rather than as a mere replacement, should Mainz's asking price of over £25m be met.
Ekitike's journey is nothing short of meteoric, launching from Reims into PSG's constellation with a £30m signing before veering towards Frankfurt; though his next leap could dwarf previous price tags.
Ekitike initially joined the German side on loan in January 2024, playing a key role in Dino Toppmoller's team securing a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. A permanent move ensued, with 15 of his 22 goals this season coming in the league, helping Toppmoller's side to finish behind only Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market this month, bringing in several new faces ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. However, they were unable to finalise a deal for Ekitike in time, while other targets Jamie Gittens and Mike Maignan also remain at their current clubs for the time being.
Enzo Maresca has managed to incorporate three new signings into his squad. Liam Delap is included after his move from Ipswich Town, alongside Dario Essugo, Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr as part of the 28-man squad.
Trending
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
There's also an opportunity for Aaron Anselmino, who was signed last summer, to make his competitive debut for the Blues following a loan spell at his former club Boca Juniors.
Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign kicks off on June 16, when they face Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, followed by matches against Flamengo and Esperance. LAFC secured their place in the competition at the eleventh hour, winning a play-off against Club America to replace Leon in the draw.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. When Gerrard meet "Pong Kapol" The legend On this day / Do you remember this goal? Jack Grealish left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad JUST APPRECIATE THE GOATNESS The GREATEST SUPER SUB of All Time is.. Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 vs Wayne Rooney at 38… Only in India Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoon...
Arsenal want to sign a new left winger this summer, but their chances of signing one of their desired targets could be slipping away after recent developments.Mikel Arteta wants a striker and left winger to revitalise his attack ahead of the 2025-26 season, and while there has been much focus on the former, there is just as much desire to sign someone to compete with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro...
Aston Villa want to keep Morgan RogerAston Villa could be in store for a tricky summer because of PSR issues, and there are chances for important players to be sold. But at this stage, there are zero plans to consider any offers for their standout performer from the 2024-25 season.In recent weeks, a number of Aston Villa players have been linked with moves – especially to clubs in the Premie...
Manchester United are rumoured to have rekindled their interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen but still face a major obstacle.Nigerian striker's loan with Galatasary endedPrevious reports suggest Al-Hilal agreementLofty wages could block United approachWHAT HAPPENED?A report by Footmercato has linked the Red Devils with a sensational move for the Nigerian striker. United have opened discussions with ...
Barcelona hold talks with Williams as Yamal teases link-upBarcelona sporting director Deco reportedly met up with Nico Williams' agent in a bid to reignite their interest in the Athletic Club winger.Barcelona have reopened talks with Williams' camp, including his agent Felix Tainta, per Spanish publication Sport, with Deco leading efforts to lure the 22-year-old away from Athletic Club. The Spanis...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueManchester United target Bryan Mbeumo's was the Premier League's most clinical goalscorer in the 2024-25 season according to xG.West Ham United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?An analysis of the Premier League's xG data by Grosvenor Sport reveals Mbuemo's tally of 20 league goals came from chances that should have ge...
A fascinating transfer battle is emerging for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo (Image: Getty)Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a £70million bid to outmuscle Manchester United for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.The offer from the north London club is said to be worth £65million plus an additional £5million in add-ons, which is £10million more than what United offered.As report...
Matheus Cunha isn't a natural striker. (Image: Getty)Manchester United started their mammoth summer rebuild by completing the £62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha on Thursday. Ruben Amorim is significantly upgrading his attack with the 26-year-old's arrival, and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo should have the same impact if he follows suit.However, neither player will address arguably the big...
HERZOGENAURACH, GERMANY - JUNE 03: Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during a team Germany training session at Herzo-Base on June 03, 2025 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) (Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)Liverpool are set to break the British transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering £116m.After a deal ...
Referees will wear eye-level cameras at the Club World Cup (Image: The Associated Press)Referees at the Club World Cup are set to wear eye-level cameras, offering fans a unique glimpse into the on-pitch action. Well... not quite. FIFA has unveiled plans to roll out this tech at the expanded tournament starting in Miami on Saturday. However, it seems the move is geared more towards spicing up TV br...
- 1 Portugal vs France Prediction 12 June 2025
- 2 Bryan Mbeumo 'picks between Man Utd and Tottenham' as transfer agreement struck
- 3 Bayer Leverkusen interested in shock move for Jack Grealish
- 4 England player ratings vs Andorra: Cole Palmer disappoints as Kane bails out Tuchel
- 5 Brazil vs Paraguay Prediction 11 June 2025
- 6 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 7 Harvey Elliott opens door to Liverpool exit
- 8 Bonnie Blue banned from adult site as controversial stunt 'crossed the line'
- 9 Osimhen decides on Saudi move
- 10 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal