Liverpool Football Club have secured the newest striker for their ranks, and it's 23-year old Frenchman Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Reds have been searching for a new forward option this summer to take their attack to the next level this coming season and beyond.
They've been linked with players such as Victor Osimhen, Joao Pedro and most intensely, Newcastle's Alexander Isak. However, with the Magpies standing firm that they won't sell, Richard Hughes and his team pivoted quickly to Ekitike.
The Deal
Sky Sports Germany and Fabrizio Romano, among other reports, indicate Liverpool will pay the Bundesliga outfit up to €95 million.
The player has agreed to a six-year contract through 2031, so the Reds will have him on the books for over the next half decade.
The player was keen on the move and only wanted Anfield the moment they entered the race for his services. Newcastle had seen a bid of their own around €70 million rejected before Liverpool stepped in and negotiations ramped up.
Liverpool had made it clear they were prepared to drop €120 million on Isak but his club's valuation of something closer to €150 million meant FSG and Co. turned their attention to Germany.
Ekitike becomes the newest Red joining names such as Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
End of the Saga
Liverpool's initial indirect interest in Ekitike means their sudden desire to make a move and seal the deal in days is a little surprising.
However, the club have been operating in this efficient manner all summer as they waste little time in bringing in the players they identify as crucial to their long-term project.
Alexander Isak was the dream target for the No. 9 role, but the all-around game of Ekitike is something that made him standout to the Reds as his versatility should thrive under Arne Slot.
In addition to his 22 goals, the Frenchman provided 12 assists showcasing his diverse attacking game that will be tasked with taking a lot of the scoring burden off of Mohamed Salah.
Having previously struggled for goals and playing time while at PSG behind the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the 23-year old will be hoping this time is the polar opposite.
Slot completes his forward incoming overhaul, but with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez both looking likely to depart signing Hugo Ekitike might not be the last piece of the puzzle.