Liverpool Eyeing Hugo Ekitike to Strengthen Forward Line
Liverpool have stepped up their summer transfer activity by making contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential move for striker Hugo Ekitike, as reported by The Athletic. This development adds another layer to an already eventful transfer window at Anfield, where Arne Slot’s side are preparing for a title defence after a triumphant Premier League-winning season.
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Ekitike Emerges as an Alternative to Isak
Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike comes after frustrations in their pursuit of Alexander Isak. The club communicated a willingness to strike a deal worth around £120 million for the Newcastle United forward, but St James’ Park chiefs have remained firm that the Swede is not for sale. Newcastle, meanwhile, have made their own efforts to sign Ekitike, offering around €75 million (£64.9 million), only for Frankfurt to reject the approach, who are sticking to their £86million asking price.
Ekitike’s stock has soared following a prolific season in Germany. The 23-year-old scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists across all competitions, helping Frankfurt secure a third-place Bundesliga finish and a return to the Champions League. As The Athletic notes, “he is exactly the profile Liverpool look to target — a player with first-team experience, but with potential to develop further.”
Slot’s Search for a Reliable No 9
Slot experimented with several options at centre-forward last season, with Luis Diaz often preferred, but none fully delivered the goals Liverpool craved. The need to reinforce this position has only grown following Darwin Nunez’s availability on the market and Luiz Diaz’s expressed desire to leave.
The Athletic’s analysis explains, “Slot tried a number of options in that role last season, with Luis Diaz becoming his preferred selection. It was a tricky position to play in though with plenty demanded and goals didn’t flow for any of those who operated there.”
Ekitike, standing tall, quick and technically proficient, offers Liverpool the kind of forward presence that allows Mohamed Salah and new signing Florian Wirtz to flourish. His clever movement and ability to carry the ball at pace make him an exciting prospect, even if he still has areas to develop.
A Competitive Market
Liverpool are not alone in admiring Ekitike. Manchester United made enquiries earlier this summer, while Chelsea previously monitored him before moving for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. This shows the level of competition Liverpool face for top young forwards across Europe.
Despite the high-profile nature of Isak, some within the Anfield recruitment team believe Ekitike may offer greater long-term value. As Andy Jones of The Athletic writes, “Unlike Isak, he is not the finished product, but he possesses a lot of traits that can be moulded into making him an elite striker.”
With Champions League football returning to Anfield and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota still felt deeply within the club, Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike symbolises both ambition and necessity as they reshape the squad for Slot’s second season.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this potential move for Hugo Ekitike is both exciting and nerve-wracking. On one hand, the young Frenchman ticks so many boxes: age profile, proven output in a competitive European league, and the physical and technical qualities that seem tailor-made for Arne Slot’s fluid attacking style. His 22 goals and 12 assists last season suggest a player who can contribute far beyond just poaching in the box.
However, some supporters may question why Liverpool are turning to an alternative when the clear fan favourite has been Alexander Isak. It’s understandable that Newcastle’s hard stance has forced the club to look elsewhere, but with such a high reported price tag for Ekitike, many will wonder if Liverpool are risking too much on potential rather than proven Premier League quality.
The emotional weight of replacing Diogo Jota also looms large. Jota was more than just a forward; he was a fan favourite, a big-game performer and a leader. Whoever comes in now carries not only tactical expectations but also emotional ones.
Slot’s first season was an undeniable success, and with Champions League nights back under the Anfield lights, the demand for top-level reinforcements is non-negotiable. If Ekitike is the man Liverpool put their faith in, fans will back him, but the hope will be that he is given time to adapt and that the club are not simply settling for the next-best option.
