EXCLUSIVE: The ECHO chats to Stan Collymore about breaking the British transfer record at Liverpool as the Reds close in on £116m Florian Wirtz

EXCLUSIVE: The ECHO chats to Stan Collymore about breaking the British transfer record at Liverpool as the Reds close in on £116m Florian Wirtz

Latest Liverpool news as the club's owners Fenway Sports Group are in discussions over the sale of a minority stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins

Latest Liverpool news as the club's owners Fenway Sports Group are in discussions over the sale of a minority stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins

The ECHO's end-of-season ratings continue with Andy Robertson, whose future is now being called into question

The ECHO's end-of-season ratings continue with Andy Robertson, whose future is now being called into question

Главный тренер сборной России и московского «Динамо» Валерий Карпин рассказал, кого считает лучшим тренером сезона, а также сравнил Хосепа Гвардиолу и Арне Слота.

• Bournemouth sign France left-back Adrien Truffert

• Leeds fear Newcastle or Milan may hijack Bijol transfer

Manchester United are monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s striker, Hugo Ekitike, as a potential recruit.

The French forward is of interest to Ruben Amorim after United’s hopes of signing one of his prime targets, Viktor Gyökeres, receded due to the Swede expressing a preference to move to Arsenal. The 22-year-old Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 47 Bundesliga appearances for Frankfurt, having initially been loaned to the German club in February 2024. The Frenchman subsequently signed a five-year deal for around £14m last April. The France Under-21 international has a total of 50 strikes in 151 career games.

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Авторитетный итальянский инсайдер Фабрицио Романо рассказал, есть ли у французского нападающего «Айнтрахта» Уго Экитике приоритетный вариант продолжения карьеры среди претендующих на него «Манчестер Юнайтед», «Челси» и «Ливерпуля».

Liverpool Weigh Up Hugo Ekitike Pursuit Amid Growing Premier League Interest Liverpool’s forward planning is well underway, and the name Hugo Ekitike is firmly on the shortlist. As reported by Fabrizio Romano for Give Me Sport, the French forward is actively speaking to Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, with all three clubs hoping to secure […]

The post Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool are ‘Still Talking’ to £85m Forward appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool’s forward planning is well underway, and the name Hugo Ekitike is firmly on the shortlist. As reported by Fabrizio Romano for Give Me Sport, the French forward is actively speaking to Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, with all three clubs hoping to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“He’s considering all options and still talking to all these clubs [Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea]. No decision has been made yet,” Romano confirmed.

This aligns with reports from Germany that suggest Eintracht Frankfurt are expecting upwards of £85 million for the 22-year-old, whose breakout season in the Bundesliga has made him one of the most in-demand young forwards in Europe.

Photo: IMAGO Why Ekitike Fits Slot’s Vision

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attacking blueprint has evolved. The Dutchman’s high-tempo, fluid style needs mobile, intelligent forwards who can play across the line and contribute creatively. Ekitike’s numbers scream suitability. With 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches last season, the Frenchman has shown that he is more than a finisher.

FBref statistics highlight his all-round game: he ranks in the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals (0.6), assists (0.29), and shot-creating actions (3.5) per 90 minutes. Add in his progressive carries (3.04) and successful take-ons (1.9), and it is clear that Ekitike offers the type of modern centre-forward play Liverpool increasingly prioritise.

Should Darwin Nunez depart, as rumoured, Slot would need a striker capable of stepping straight into a title-challenging XI. Ekitike’s blend of youth, mobility and top-tier production makes him a natural successor.

Financial Strategy Will Define Liverpool’s Summer

Whether Liverpool can meet Frankfurt’s asking price remains to be seen. Much could hinge on recouping funds from Nunez’s potential sale, which might clear the financial path to bid confidently. Having already spent big on Florian Wirtz, FSG’s willingness to sanction a second marquee transfer will be tested.

Romano warned in a subsequent update via CaughtOffside that “a deal will not be easy to pull off” and will “clearly be expensive” for any club that succeeds. For Liverpool, that means maximising value in other areas of the squad and ensuring any outgoings contribute meaningfully to their transfer budget.

Photo: IMAGO Premier League Race Could Define Liverpool’s Intentions

Manchester United’s reported ‘concrete interest’, along with Chelsea’s long-standing desire for attacking reinforcements, puts added pressure on Liverpool to act decisively. Arne Slot has just guided the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut season, and showing ambition in the market would signal continued intent.

If Liverpool are serious about refreshing their forward line, Hugo Ekitike may represent the ideal candidate. However, waiting too long could allow rivals to gain the upper hand.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s no denying the excitement around Hugo Ekitike. His numbers speak volumes and, stylistically, he looks like a perfect fit for Slot’s system. While his fee is eye-watering, it reflects modern market dynamics more than anything else. If Liverpool can shift Nunez and reinvest smartly, this feels like a deal worth pushing hard for.

Ekitike’s movement, creativity and pressing ability would make him an instant fan favourite. He’s the type of player who could explode at Anfield, and missing out on him—especially to Manchester United—would sting. From a fan’s point of view, we’d rather see Liverpool stretch their budget now than watch another potential star thrive elsewhere.

Slot has earned trust with silverware, but to keep the club competing, FSG must back his plans fully. Ekitike’s arrival would not just be a statement—it would be a smart evolution of Liverpool’s frontline.

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«Барселона» готова предложить более 60 млн евро за Луиса Диаса.

Президент каталонского клуба Жоан Лапорта и спортивный директор Деку видят в вингере «Ливерпуля» главную трансферную цель, сообщает COPE.

При этом в «блаугране» опасаются, что мерсисайдцы могут запросить слишком высокую сумму за колумбийца. «Барселона» не будет делать «сумасшедших предложений» и оценивает игрока в 65-80 млн евро. 

«Планом Б» для каталонцев является подписание Нико Уильямса из «Атлетика», который уже выразил желание присоединиться к «Барсе». 

«Барса» опережает «Баварию», «Арсенал» и «Челси» в борьбе за Нико. Лапорта оценивает, сможет ли клуб зарегистрировать вингера «Атлетика»

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«Атлетико» рассматривает трансфер Люки Диня из «Астон Виллы».

Как сообщает The Times, приоритетной целью мадридского клуба является Эндрю Робертсон из «Ливерпуля». Однако испанцы рассматривают Диня в качестве альтернативы, если трансфер Робертсона не состоится. 

Ранее стало известно, что защитник «Ливерпуля» согласился перейти в «Атлетико». Но будущее Робертсона зависит от того, состоится ли переход Милоша Керкеза из «Борнмута». 

В случае, если сделка с Робертсоном сорвется, «Атлетико» может подписать Люку Диня из «Астон Виллы». На счету 31-летнего французского защитника 4 результативные передачи в 32 матчах в АПЛ. 

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«Ливерпуль» поздравил бывшего главного тренера команды Юргена Клоппа с днём рождения.

Liverpool Land Florian Wirtz: German Wonderkid Poised to Light Up Anfield It’s no longer a whisper, nor a rumour you scroll past on social media. Florian Wirtz is set to become a Liverpool player, with the 22-year-old expected on Merseyside this week for a medical ahead of a blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen. An agreement […]

The post Bundesliga Expert: Liverpool Have Signed the ‘Next Big Superstar’ in Florian Wirtz appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

It’s no longer a whisper, nor a rumour you scroll past on social media. Florian Wirtz is set to become a Liverpool player, with the 22-year-old expected on Merseyside this week for a medical ahead of a blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen.

An agreement reached with Leverkusen last Friday, believed to be worth up to £116.5 million including add-ons, will make Wirtz one of the most expensive players in British football history. The move isn’t just seismic in terms of money, it represents Liverpool’s sharp return to the top table of Europe’s transfer market — a pointed statement from Premier League champions who’ve reasserted their power under Arne Slot.

Shifting Allegiances in Germany

In Germany, the reaction has been far from unanimous. On talkSPORT’s Trans Europe Express, German football journalist Raphael Honigstein didn’t hold back.

“For the Bundesliga, of course, it’s a shame to not see him for a little bit longer,” he explained. “I think he’s going to be the next superstar like [Kevin] De Bruyne, like [Erling] Haaland, that people would have liked to see a bit longer.”

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There’s a sense of collective disappointment — not necessarily anger — across German football, but one club in particular will feel the sting more than most. Bayern Munich’s aggressive pursuit of Wirtz was no secret. Yet despite their best efforts and usual dominance in hoovering up domestic talent, they’ve been rebuffed.

“Bayern feel, of course, that they have missed out,” Honigstein continued. “They’ve been very, very vocal, as they often are, about trying to get him in. When they do that, of course they are exposed, and they’ve been the target of a lot of shunning for that, as you can expect, in Germany because they missed out on him.”

Liverpool’s Growing Pull in Germany

While Bayern lick their wounds, there’s little resentment towards Liverpool, who are now firmly entrenched as a beloved club among many German supporters. Jurgen Klopp’s tenure certainly helped build that bridge, but Arne Slot’s Premier League triumph in his debut season has kept the momentum going.

Honigstein believes the move could actually boost interest in English football back in Germany.

“At the same time, I think German football will be happy. It’s not the Bundesliga, but it is Florian Wirtz playing – just like [Jurgen] Klopp was coaching – at such a massive club in the Premier League,” he said. “I think the attention will be huge for him, and more people than ever before will watch Liverpool with him, trying to figure out where his journey is heading, what his role will be.”

Photo: IMAGO

In truth, the deal underlines a fundamental shift in European football’s power balance. Bayern’s previous successes in attracting elite German talent — from Lahm to Neuer to Hummels — are no longer guarantees. Wirtz’s decision to spurn their interest in favour of Anfield signals a generational shift, not just in his career, but in how top German prospects view their options.

Big Gamble or Calculated Coup?

For Liverpool, the fee might raise eyebrows. Over £100 million for a player yet to taste Premier League football is a huge outlay, particularly for owners like FSG who have often prioritised financial sustainability. But the club’s track record in big-money signings — from Alisson to Van Dijk — suggests their due diligence is thorough.

Wirtz is not just a flashy technician, he’s a well-rounded talent. Didi Hamann, familiar with both Anfield and the Bundesliga, is confident the playmaker has what it takes to thrive.

Hamann pointed out Wirtz’s blend of flair and physicality, traits essential for adapting to England’s high-speed football. With Wirtz’s creativity, Liverpool are not just bolstering their midfield, they’re potentially redefining it.

For German football fans, his absence will be felt. But in a league long dominated by Bayern, there’s also relief that Wirtz isn’t staying in the Bundesliga to strengthen their stranglehold. Instead, he’ll be donning Liverpool red, ready to test himself at the highest level under the bright lights of Anfield.

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Exclusive: Newcastle United Eyeing Move to Sign Liverpool Forward Liverpool have enjoyed an explosive start to the transfer window, which saw the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. His former teammate Florian Wirtz is also set to join for a record-breaking £116million fee, whilst AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez remains in advanced talks over […]

The post Exclusive: Newcastle United Want to Sign Liverpool Forward as Potential Alexander Isak Route Opens Up appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool have enjoyed an explosive start to the transfer window, which saw the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. His former teammate Florian Wirtz is also set to join for a record-breaking £116million fee, whilst AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez remains in advanced talks over a move to Anfield.

However, before the Reds can push on with further incomings this summer, outgoings are now the priority. The likes of Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson, Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota all face uncertain futures at the club.

Anfield Index sources have revealed Newcastle United’s interest in signing the latter of those names, with Jota seen as a potential attacking target for the Magpies this summer.

It is understood that they also hold interest in potential moves for Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott also on their radar.

Photo: IMAGO Liverpool Receive Alexander Isak Boost

Arne Slot is determined to add a centre-forward to his summer plans and it is understood that Isak remains Liverpool’s first choice, with the forward open to the move.

We also understand that Liverpool have remained in regular contact with Newcastle United over their interest in the 25-year-old, despite reports of a move being completely off the table.

Photo: IMAGO

Of course, it remains a hugely ambitious and expensive deal for Liverpool but their early moves in the summer market speaks volumes of their ambitions heading into next season.

The North-East side are reportedly interested in signing Joao Pedro in a move that could be worth £60million. A signing of another centre-forward, in this case Jota, could play a huge part in a summer move for the Swedish forward.

Newcastle’s Interest in Liverpool Trio

Eddie Howe has held strong interest in both Gomez and Quansah for some time now as he looks to strengthen the heart of his defence. However, their interest in Elliott has likely been ignited by the record-breaking arrival of Wirtz, pushing the 22-year-old closer to the exit door.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool are expected to listen to offers in the £30million region for the two central defenders, whilst Elliott would likely command a fee closer to £40million.

It’ll be interesting to see how these potential deals progress over the next couple of weeks, but contact between the two clubs remains strong.

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Liverpool Set Konate Contract Deadline Amid Real Madrid Interest Liverpool’s summer business has taken a more urgent turn with Ibrahima Konate’s contract negotiations at a standstill. As reported by Football Insider, the club have set an August deadline to resolve the future of the French defender, who will enter the final year of his current […]

The post Liverpool Reveal Stance on Ibrahima Konate Contract Amid Real Madrid Interest – Report appeared first on anfieldindex.com.