Liverpool transfers: Hugo Ekitike pursuit moves closer as defender tipped to join Real Madrid

Liverpool are making a real push in this transfer window as they look to hold onto their Premier League title and are on the verge of making a seventh signing after closing in on Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool are keen to show the rest of their Premier League rivals they are taking the 2025-26 seriously and aren’t happy to settle for one title triumph under Arne Slot.

The Reds have splashed out more than £170million on three major signings and look set to add one more after advancing in talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

Slot has already added right-back Jeremie Frimpong, left-back Milos Kerkez and playmaker Florian Wirtz – who arrived in a record deal worth £116.5m.

The Premier League champions were also interested in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, but appear to have cooled their interest, with the Sweden star valued at around £125m.

Mirror Football has rounded up all the latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip.

READ MORE: Liverpool know what they must do to sign Hugo Ekitike after transfer statementREAD MORE: Liverpool agree Hugo Ekitike terms after muscling in on Newcastle transfer plans

Liverpool pip Newcastle to Ekitike deal

Isak looked to be Liverpool’s priority target this summer, but with the in-demand striker commanding such a high price, they have now moved onto Ekitike – and the deal is now picking up speed.

Newcastle had made it clear they planned to make a move for Ekitike themselves and even wanted to pair him with current forward Isak.

But Liverpool have effectively called their bluff by registering an interest in Isak – as well as pushing ahead with their bid to sign Ekitike.

Newcastle have already had a £70m bid rejected by Frankfurt for the Frenchman – with the Bundesliga side holding out for around £85m.

Ekitike has a release clause of around £86.5m but Liverpool hope to pay less to snap up the player, who has already agreed personal terms with Slot’s side.

Liverpool are optimistic about wrapping up the transfer next week, boosted by the knowledge that Ekitike wants to join them over Newcastle – which also gives them a much cheaper alternative to Isak.

Konate tipped to join Real Madrid

Liverpool won’t want to lose any more of their star players after seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid for £10m, but defender Ibahima Konate is one who could attract plenty of interest across Europe’s elite clubs.

Konate was a vital part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League last season – but as it stands he risks following in the same steps as Alexander-Arnold by leaving on a free transfer next summer.

His former youth coach has even suggested he could link up with Alexander-Arnold at Madrid and feels he is a better defender than current Los Blancos star Antonio Rudiger.

Eric Hely – who worked with Konate at Sochaux – said: “I’d say better than Rudiger, who is undoubtedly an athlete, but I think Ibrahima is technically stronger. I’m sure he can succeed at Madrid and wherever he wants.

“I think he’d fit in very well with Xabi. He can play in a three-man defence, as he did at [RB] Leipzig, and in a four-man defence. He’s a kid who never caused any problems. I remember when he came from Paris to stay at our residence. And he was always there to help and make life easier. The other kids followed him because of his charisma.

“He’ll listen and learn, and then he’ll establish himself in the group with his personality. I don’t see him as [Raphael] Varane. He’s more of a [Marcel] Desailly type. He gives off a lot of confidence and has a very good footwork.”

Reds no longer pursuing wonderkid

Liverpool were reported to be one of the top sides keeping tabs on Salford City wonderkid Will Wright after emerging as a major talent at the League Two club.

The Liverpool Echo claimed the Reds were rivalling Arsenal for the 17-year-old, with a £300,000 offer mooted by some sources.

But the same outlet has now revealed Liverpool have walked away from talks with the club – who are owned by Gary Neville and David Beckham.

It’s understood that Arsenal have now “hijacked” the deal to sign the youngster, forcing Liverpool to pull away, after offering Salford a much higher fee.

Other clubs reported to hold interest in Wright are Brentford, Leicester, Burnley and even Manchester City.

But Arsenal are believed to be “closing in” on the 6 ft 3in star after netting more than 50 goals across all levels for Salford last season.

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