Liverpool ‘Stepping Up’ Their Pursuit of £70m Striker Ahead of Potential Summer Move – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Search for a New No. 9 Intensifies Amid Hugo Ekitike Interest

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Liverpool are ramping up their pursuit of a new striker – and the latest name to rise up the list is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. As revealed by TEAMtalk, the 22-year-old is attracting serious attention from Anfield, as uncertainty continues to swirl around the future of Darwin Núñez.

It’s no secret Liverpool have long admired Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United’s £150m+ valuation appears to have priced him out of reach. That has forced new manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes to explore more financially viable options. Enter Ekitike – a player with bags of potential, a growing reputation in Europe, and importantly, a far more palatable price tag.

Photo: IMAGO

“Liverpool are indeed one of several Premier League sides to have looked at Ekitike and are evaluating him as a potential target,” TEAMtalk reports.

Ekitike, currently enjoying a prolific season in the Bundesliga after a permanent move from Paris Saint-Germain, has netted 21 goals for Frankfurt – an impressive tally for a player still establishing himself at senior level. His goal in the 1-1 Europa League quarter-final draw against Spurs was yet another example of his sharp instincts in front of goal.

Four-way Battle for Frankfurt’s Rising Star

Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike is part of a broader Premier League scramble. According to TEAMtalk, three other English clubs have also made recent enquiries about the Frenchman. That competition could drive up the fee, with Frankfurt reportedly holding out for around £70 million – a sum that would make Ekitike the second-most expensive sale in their history after Randal Kolo Muani.

Still, the figure is less than half the potential Isak fee, and with Ekitike under contract until 2029, Frankfurt are not under pressure to sell. But the key factor here may be the player’s willingness to move to England.

“Sources state that… the striker is very interested in a move to England,” TEAMtalk notes. That desire could be a major boost for Liverpool’s chances – especially if they can present a clear vision under Arne Slot that includes consistent game time and Champions League football.

Photo: IMAGO

Ekitike’s Redemption Arc Aligns with Liverpool’s Ethos

There’s a strong narrative thread that may appeal to Liverpool’s recruitment model. Ekitike’s career path hasn’t been smooth. A disappointing spell at PSG cast doubt over his long-term development, but his revitalisation at Frankfurt shows resilience and a hunger to improve – qualities Liverpool have traditionally valued highly.

As TEAMtalk explains, “The 22-year-old has had a tumultuous football career so far but has flourished since his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Frankfurt last summer.”

Such a trajectory echoes past Liverpool signings who arrived with something to prove – think Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané or even Diogo Jota. Under the right guidance, Ekitike could follow in similar footsteps.

What This means for Darwin Núñez

While not explicitly stated, Liverpool’s active pursuit of another striker inevitably raises questions about Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan forward has endured a stop-start campaign, struggling with inconsistency and decision-making in key moments. Slot may be looking for a more clinical alternative – someone like Ekitike, who can lead the line or partner with a forward in a flexible system.

Photo: IMAGO

Should Ekitike arrive, it could either motivate Núñez to find another level – or signal a changing of the guard in Liverpool’s attack.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, we’ve grown used to seeing the club work smartly in the transfer market, and this potential move for Ekitike feels like a classic Reds gamble – one that could pay big dividends. At just 22, with Bundesliga and European experience already under his belt, he offers huge upside without the eye-watering cost of a player like Isak.

Yes, £70m is no small sum, but in today’s inflated market, it could look like a bargain in two seasons’ time if Ekitike continues on this upward trajectory. His goal-scoring form in Germany, coupled with his desire to play in the Premier League, suggests he could thrive in the high-intensity system that Slot is expected to implement.

What’s more encouraging is the timing. Acting swiftly in the market – particularly when four other clubs are circling – would signal intent from the new era at Anfield. If Slot wants to put his stamp on this side, bringing in a young, hungry forward like Ekitike could be an ideal first move.

We also believe the arrival of someone like Hugo wouldn’t necessarily spell the end for Núñez. Competition breeds excellence. And if Núñez stays, a dual-pronged threat could be exactly what Liverpool need to unlock deep defensive blocks next season.

All in all, this is one to keep a close eye on – and credit to TEAMtalk for breaking the story.