TA: Liverpool has contacted Frankfurt on the possibility of introducing Ekitic

The Athletic reported that Liverpool had contact with Frankfurt on the possibility of introducing Ekitic, and the striker was also Newcastle United's pursuit target.

The Athletic reported the day before yesterday that Newcastle had proposed a offer of about 75 million euros to buy Ekitic, but was rejected by Frankfurt. Now Liverpool has joined the competition, and the Premier League champion club is seeking to introduce new strikers and strengthen the offensive line.

The move comes as Liverpool chases Newcastle striker Isak, and Anfield has expressed his willingness to pay about £120 million in transfer fees for the 25-year-old Swedish international. Newcastle's third attempt to sign Ekitic this summer, after both the 2022 summer window and January 2023 attempt failed.

Although the shadow of Diogo Jota's unfortunate death earlier this month still lingers Liverpool club, the management is aware that it must continue to strengthen the roster this summer. The Athletic disclosed on Tuesday that Liverpool's current signing focus is to find top centers for the front line. They are willing to hear offers against Nunez, and winger Louis Diaz has also informed the club of his willingness to leave. Although Liverpool has contacted Newcastle about Isaac transfer, the Magpies made it clear that the Swedish striker is not a seller.

Ekitic scored 22 goals and contributed 12 assists for Frankfurt last season. After experiencing loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the 2023-24 season, the French striker officially transferred to the French Eagles for 17.5 million euros in the summer window of 2024. He scored 15 goals in the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, tied for sixth place in the scorer list with his former teammate (now Manchester City player). Ekitic helped Frankfurt win the third place in the Bundesliga. This is the second time in the club's history that it has entered the Champions League main tournament and the first time that he has qualified for the Champions League through league rankings.

The Athletic reported in June that Manchester United also inquired about Ekitic this summer, and Chelsea also had an interest in Drapp, who signed Ipswich's Delapp and Brighton's Joao Pedro.