Hugo Ektike is officially a Liverpool player and the focus has turned to who the Reds’ next signing will be, having already splashed out almost £300million this summer
He’s here: Hugo Ekitike is officially a Liverpool player. The Reds confirmed their seventh summer signing on Wednesday evening, all while Arne Slot’s squad were asleep out in Hong Kong.
Liverpool are due to face Italian giants AC Milan on Saturday at the Kai Tak Stadium. The match will kick-off at 12:30pm UK time, giving Ekitike a race against the clock to make his debut.
The departed Eintracht Frankfurt star will join Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman as newcomers to the Premier League champions. Ekitike’s arrival means that Liverpool have now spent almost £300million on new signings during the summer transfer window, although Anfield chiefs could recoup a decent chunk of that sum by sanctioning a number of big-money exits.
They’ll all be hoping to play a role in the Reds’ title defence which begins at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15. But could they be joined by more new faces?
Here’s a round-up of the latest transfer news from Anfield.
READ MORE: Premier League issue apology as Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool fixture changes confirmedREAD MORE: Liverpool waiting on imminent £43m transfer to green light Arne Slot’s next move
Ekitike details in full
Liverpool announced the signing of Hugo Ekitike on Wednesday night after the French striker completed a medical in London. Ekitike, 23, has joined the Reds on a six-year contract after they agreed a £79m deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The deal is comprised of a guaranteed £69m plus £10m in performance-related add-ons. Ekitike will join up with Liverpool’s squad in Asia as they continue their pre-season tour.
Rodrygo stance emerges
Real Madrid star Rodrygo currently isn’t an option for Liverpool if Luis Diaz leaves the club. The Reds rejected a £58.5m bid from Bayern Munich last week and the German giants are yet to submit an improved offer, despite reports that the Colombian winger remains their priority.
It’s been speculated that Liverpool could turn to Rodrygo if Diaz were to leave the club. However, the Athletic report that the 24-year-old isn’t viewed as an option while Diaz has trained normally with his Liverpool team-mates in Hong Kong.
Should Liverpool sign Rodrygo if Luis Diaz leaves? Have your say in the comments section.
Zubimendi explains snub
Martin Zubimendi has gone into detail on his decision to snub Liverpool for the first time since signing for Arsenal. Zubimendi, 26, joined the Gunners for £55.8m earlier this month, just one year after rejecting a move to Liverpool, who were willing to pay his release clause at Real Sociedad.
“It wasn’t an easy time,” the Spanish midfielder admitted. “I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options. The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave – and it wasn’t the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.”
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