Overview

• Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old striker and plan to submit an offer close to his £86 million release clause.
• Newcastle United have formally withdrawn from talks for Ekitike and confirmed Alexander Isak will remain at St James’ Park.
• Hugo Ekitike has handed in a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt in an effort to force through a move to Anfield.
• Both clubs are navigating UEFA Profitability and Sustainability Rules, using release clauses to structure high-value deals within spending limits.
• Liverpool’s late intervention in Newcastle’s long-running chase underscores the growing impact of player agency and rival hijack tactics in top-flight transfers.