Chelsea make bizarre Hugo Ekitike comparison as new Liverpool signing becomes an instant bargain

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Hugo Ekitike is the latest player to have been added to Liverpool’s ranks this summer.

The striker has long been linked with a move to Anfield as Arne Slot went on the hunt for a new regular scoring number nine.

Although the towering Frenchman may have only had one season where he’s managed to bag over 15 goals, it’s hard to deny that he has plenty of potential to fulfil.

And, even though spending a guaranteed £69million on Ekitike is a big risk, it’s seemingly one that Liverpool thought was worth taking.

Now that the transfer has been completed, however, Chelsea are using Ekitike in a strange comparison as they look to bolster their own ranks.

Chelsea want between £80 and £100million for Nicolas Jackson

Everyone knows that Chelsea have been one of the biggest spenders in football over the last few years.

Ever since Todd Boehly took over the club, they’ve not stopped adding new players to their ranks, and now, they’re looking to sell some of their players.

And, as per a report from Sky Sports, it seems like the Blues have given Nicolas Jackson a price tag between £80 and £100million if they were to sell the striker this summer.

“Chelsea value striker Nicolas Jackson at between £80m and £100m,” the outlet wrote via their X account.

“If he was to leave, the £79m Liverpool are paying for Hugo Ekitike including add-ons would be used as a benchmark for any potential deal.”

Why Liverpool’s signing of Hugo Ekitike now seems like a bargain transfer

As mentioned, Ekitike is set to cost Liverpool a guaranteed £69million.

The striker has been one of the most sought-after number nines in the world ever since the transfer window first opened in June.

In fact, Chelsea even threw their hat in the ring at one point, but in the end, they opted to go for Joao Pedro.

Ekitike is the perfect striker for Slot’s system, with the Dutchman wanting his number nine to be able to drift in from wide positions and even hold the ball up once in a while.

Indeed, Alexander Isak would have been their first choice, but the fact that Newcastle were eyeing up the Frenchman as his replacement outlines how close he actually is to the Sweden international.

Jackson is a solid player on his day, but much like Darwin Nunez, he’s rather inconsistent.

This inconsistency, coupled with his hot head, makes even an £80million deal for Jackson seem extortionate.

So, when all things are considered, it feels like the Reds have pulled off a blinder with their acquisition of Ekitike, especially since he cost them less than £70million.