Liverpool transfer news: Hugo Ekitike next steps as Arne Slot already plotting 2026 move

Liverpool are about to make another huge splash in the transfer market by signing Hugo Ekitike - and their chequebook will be open again next summer. The Reds have been boasting their new-found status as Premier League champions to help bolster Arne Slot's squad.

June saw the lucrative arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, the latter of whom broke the British transfer record. The trio cost the Reds a combined £186million and add to that Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, they've spent more than £210m so far this summer.

Liverpool are planning offset their outlay by selling a number of players, potentially Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, whose futures were more uncertain until their pursuit of Ekitike. Jarell Quansah joined Bayer Leverkusen for £35m at the start of the month while the sales of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Nat Phillips accumulated another £31m.

Ekitike's arrival on Merseyside is understood to be imminent after Liverpool made progress over the weekend and it's also emerged that they've identified a target for 2026 who'd cost them a similarly large sum. Plus, there's been movement on Diaz.

Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Anfield.

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Ekitike deal imminent

Liverpool are on the verge of reaching a full agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Hugo Ekitike. The Reds have already agreed personal terms with the striker, whose contract will run until 2031.

According to the Athletic, Liverpool and Frankfurt have agreed the outline of a deal and are now working on the final details before Ekitike, 23, is given permission to have a medical and join up with Arne Slot's squad. The sum could exceed the German club's record sale of £82.3m - when Randal Kolo Muani joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 - if all add-ons are met.

Read the full story on Ekitike here.

Wharton makes decision

Liverpool are working on a deal to sign Adam Wharton next summer after the midfielder decided to stay at Crystal Palace for another season. Wharton, 21, has been touted for a big-money move throughout his stellar 18-month spell with the Eagles.

But the Sun report that he'll shun interest and remain with Palace for the 2025-26 campaign. It's added that Liverpool have been working on a deal for 'some time' but they've prioritised other areas this year.

Read the full story on Wharton here.

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Bayern focussing on Diaz

Bayern Munich have paused negotiations with Stuttgart over striker Nick Woltemade in order to focus on signing Luis Diaz. Earlier this week, Liverpool rejected £58.5million bid from Bayern, who - according to Bild - remain optimistic that they can strike a deal for the winger.

The Bundesliga champions have been given a free run at Diaz, 28, after Barcelona shifted their attention to Manchester United wantaway Marcus Rashford. The Colombian has already informed Liverpool that he wants to leave.

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