95 million euros! Liverpool locks in "New Henry" at a sky-high price, spending 300 million euros to rebuild the dynasty in the summer window

July 24, 2025 Liverpool News, in the early morning of this day, Liverpool officially announced that it had signed 23-year-old French striker Ekitic for a total price of 95 million euros (80 million fixed + 10 million floating + 5 million high-difficulty clause), setting the second highest signing record in the team's history. This striker, known as the "Henry's successor", became the sixth major signing of the Reds this summer after Wilz (125 million euros) and Flynnon (40 million euros). The club's total investment in the summer window exceeded 300 million euros, completely subverting the former "purchasing" operation label.

Transfer tug-of-war: London physical examination, Japan rendezvous and the dispute over cost

- "Airman" itinerary: Ekitic originally planned to fly to Liverpool for a physical examination, but changed to London due to coordination issues; after completing the signing, he will fly directly to Japan to meet with the team in Asia to prepare for the preseason against Yokohama Mariners on July 30.

- The mist of transfer fees: The 95 million euros (80 million + 10 million + 5 million) reported by Romano and Desky were different from the 69 million pounds fixed + 10 million floating (about 91 million euros), but many parties confirmed that the actual expenditure was close to 920 million yuan, and Frankfurt made a net profit of more than 70 million euros in half a year.

- Long-term contract locks in the future: the two sides signed a six-year contract until 2031, and the weekly salary has not been disclosed but includes a significant increase. The price of Germany has soared to 75 million euros.

⚽️ Ekitic: From Paris to the counterattack of the sky-high price tag

- Data explosion: During last season's loan at Frankfurt, he scored 22 goals + 12 assists in 48 games, making 0.7 goals per game, helping the team win the third place in the Bundesliga and return to the Champions League. His 1.9-meter height combines speed and technology style, and is compared by British media to the peak Henry.

- Controversy accompanies: the high profile of private life (pink wool hat, diamond sportswear, Lamborghini) triggers doubts about his professional attitude. Henry once commented: "He was amazed one minute before, but exposed his basic skills defects in the next minute."

- Strategic Value: Liverpool's new coach Slot regarded him as the core center of the 4231 system and required him to play the role of "fulcrum + series" and tacit understanding with Werz during the Bundesliga period.

Liverpool's big bet: the capital logic behind 300 million euros

1. Revenue explosion supports 300 million euros-winning Premier League championship last season + the return of the Champions League brought more than 300 million euros. Adidas sponsored 350 million euros in 6 years, expanded the stadium to 70,000 people, and raised the price of ads on chests to 75 million euros per year, forming the financial foundation.

- By selling players such as Kanssa and Kellech, he will get another 50 million euros after leaving the team, effectively avoiding PSR (financial fairness) risks.

2. Reconstruction philosophy of the post-Klopp era

-Younger: The average age of new players this summer is 23 years old, with Werz (22 years old), Ekitic (23 years old), and Kolkz (21 years old) forming the framework for the next decade.

- Targeted reinforcement: Salah's dependence was obvious last season (33 years old is still the number one scorer), Ekitic will share the pressure on the goal; fullback Flynnon + Kolkerz improves the offense and defense conversion speed.

3. Premier League arms race is in full swing

-Liverpool leads the five major leagues with 300 million European spending, surpassing Manchester City (146 million) + Manchester United (153 million) in total. If Newcastle center Isaac is successfully introduced (priced at 150 million euros), the total investment may exceed 450 million euros.

️ Football shock: Applause and doubts are flying together

- Frankfurt Carnival: Fans jokingly said that "using 13 minutes to trade 95 million euros is a century-old magic", and Paris was even ridiculed as a "philanthropist" for the 30 million buyout price.

- Red Army fans split: Some supporters are worried about the "Muani-style trap" (after Frankfurt → Paris in 2023); the rationalists believe that "Slot's case of activating Garkebo is sufficient to prove his ability to train forwards."

- Legendary comments: Former Manchester City defender Richards warned: "Sky-high labels will crush young people, and he needs Van Dijk-like locker leader guidance."

Future bets: Golden boots or parallel goods?

Ekitic's joining marks Liverpool's strategic leap from "stable operation" to "top tycoon". If his "Bundesliga connection" with Werz is successfully replicated, the Reds' new trident (Salah + Werz + Ekitic) will attack Manchester City's hegemony; otherwise, it may repeat the tragedy of Manchester United's redundant staff signing Anthony.

As the Echo said: "This is a gamble to lay the foundation for the Slot dynasty with 300 million euros. Anfield will either usher in the dawn of a new era or fall into the financial abyss."

Data digging: 95 million euros make Ekitic the sixth most expensive French player in football history, second only to Mbappe (180 million), Dembele (140 million), Joan Améni (100 million), Chu Améni (95 million), and Martial (95 million).