Richard Hughes reveals transfer talks on Crete beach that secured Liverpool move
Transfer negotiations often unfold in unexpected places, and this summer’s deal for Hugo Ekitiké is no exception. Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s transfer chief, finalized the €95 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt on a beach in Crete. Recent reports from Sport BILD shed light on the unique circumstances surrounding this significant transfer.
Crete: The Unexpected Location for Transfer Talks
Surprisingly, discussions about Ekitiké’s transfer did not take place in either Frankfurt or Liverpool. Instead, they occurred on the Greek holiday island of Crete, where both Hughes and Eintracht’s sporting director, Markus Krösche, were vacationing with their families. As the talks intensified, they took advantage of their proximity, conducting negotiations between poolside relaxations and beach outings.
Key Details of the Transfer
The pathway to securing Ekitiké was not without challenges. Liverpool’s initial offer of €80 million was sent via email but was promptly declined by Frankfurt. Despite this setback, both sides were optimistic that an agreement would ultimately be reached. Ironically, Hughes and Krösche found themselves on opposite ends of the island, relying on phone calls and emails to communicate.
- Final Deal: €95 million transfer fee
- Official Announcement: July 23
- Initial Offer: €80 million
- Accepted Offer: €90 million plus €5 million in bonuses
- Al-Hilal’s Competing Offer: Over €100 million
Hughes and Krösche had already established a clear agreement with Ekitiké, demonstrating a commitment to finding a solution that aligned with his aspirations. Krösche stated, “We found them together with Liverpool in a highly professional and quiet manner.” Ultimately, Liverpool’s third offer met Frankfurt’s expectations, leading to the successful transfer.
Despite Al-Hilal’s more lucrative bid, Ekitiké’s determination to join Liverpool was evident. His desire to play at Anfield played a crucial role in the negotiations that took place in Crete, proving that sometimes, the location of discussions can influence outcomes in unexpected ways.
