Eintracht Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmöller has acknowledged that striker Hugo Ekitike is on the verge of leaving the club, describing the likely departure as a “bitter loss” for the team.
Ekitike, who has Cameroonian heritage but represents France at youth level, is reportedly close to completing a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 22-year-old missed Frankfurt’s pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, fuelling further speculation about his imminent transfer.
Addressing the media after the match, Toppmöller confirmed the player’s absence and all but conceded his exit.
“He didn’t play, but you can imagine everything else,” the coach said. “This is a bitter loss.”
Ekitike joined Frankfurt on loan from Paris Saint-Germain during the January transfer window after struggling for game time in Paris.
He quickly became a key figure in the Bundesliga side’s attack, filling the void left by Omar Marmoush, who was away on international duty during the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We lost our absolute top player in the winter with Omar Marmoush,” Toppmöller explained. “The other player (Ekitike) stepped in and developed sensationally. It’s quite possible that that’s history, too.”
The French striker impressed during the second half of the 2024/25 season, contributing vital goals and assists that helped Frankfurt secure European qualification.
His performances have drawn interest from several clubs, with Liverpool now believed to be in advanced talks to finalise a permanent deal.
Toppmöller admitted that replacing such a talent would be a challenge for the club heading into the new campaign.
“So I think we need to temper expectations a bit overall,” he added, hinting at the need for recalibrated ambitions without Ekitike in the squad.
Frankfurt are expected to reinvest part of the transfer fee to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the Bundesliga season.
