Bild: Crescent once offered Ekitic more than 100 million euros, and he also rejected Manchester United, Blues and Newcastle

Liverpool is about to face the focus of the Champions League against Frankfurt, and Ekitic is expected to play against his old club. "Bild" also revealed the behind-the-scenes story of this summer's transfer.

The French forward moved to Liverpool from Frankfurt in the summer window for a price of up to 95 million euros and quickly proved himself (scoring 5 goals). Now he is about to return to his hometown to participate in the Champions League match on Wednesday local time.

Coach Dino Topmueller (44) revealed: "After his transfer, we exchanged information several times - including after he scored the first goal. But we have not contacted each other in recent games. I expected him to play."

Interestingly: This blockbuster deal was not finalized in Frankfurt or Liverpool, but in the Greek resort island of Crete. Last July, when the battle for Ektiik became intense, Frankfurt sporting director Marcus Kloescher (45) and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes (46) happened to be on holiday in Crete with their families.

Since the negotiators from both sides were stationed at both ends of the largest island in Greece, communication was finally completed through phone calls and emails.

Klese explained: "We have a clear agreement with Ekitic that if he is determined to take this step, we will find a solution together. We and Liverpool achieved this goal in a highly professional and low-key way."

While spending holidays with their families by the pool and on the beach, Kolese and Frankfurt received Liverpool's first offer of approximately 80 million euros by email. Frankfurt refused. When a third written offer was received, Frankfurt finally accepted. Liverpool paid a base transfer fee of approximately 90 million plus a floating bonus of 5 million.

Key details: Liverpool's offer is not the highest one Frankfurt has received. According to Bild, the Saudi club Riyadh Crescent has offered more than 100 million euros. But Ekitic firmly yearned for Anfield and therefore also rejected invitations from Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United.

The transfer fee paid by Liverpool will be remitted to Frankfurt's account in three installments, the first of which has been received. Due to the second transfer sharing clause, Frankfurt needs to pay approximately 16 million euros to Ekitic's former club Paris, and also needs to pay millions in agent commissions.

The specific amount of the floating bonus has not yet been determined. Sports Bild has learned that the bonus structure negotiated with Liverpool is linked to individual and team results. Some terms are easier to trigger (number of league appearances), and some are more difficult (win the championship). One thing is certain: If Ekitic wins the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, Frankfurt will receive millions of euros in additional income.

Keleser had high hopes for his former disciple. He said: "Ekitic has the potential to become the best striker in the world. He has extraordinary talent and can always make the right decisions whether with the ball or without the ball. He can score goals and assists, and has both speed and technique."

The only expectation of Frankfurt fans at this moment is: please do not show these qualities against them...

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