Liverpool’s options up front are becoming more limited as the transfer window reopens on Monday.
The Reds have prioritized elsewhere in the early weeks of the summer market, with Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival secured at right-back, and Armin Pecsi brought in to strengthen the goalkeeper department.
Florian Wirtz’s signing should be rubber-stamped this week, while all the signs point to Milos Kerkez following him through the door at Anfield.
This means that despite Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota's struggles this season, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot will be more opportunistic in the market when it comes to strikers, perhaps waiting to see what options present themselves.
But several options are now off the table. Liam Delap’s move to Chelsea has been completed, Julian Alvarez’s exit has been ruled out by Atletico Madrid, and it appears that Viktor Gyokeres could be Arsenal-bound.
That could result in him snubbing Manchester United, which may have an unwanted knock-on effect for Liverpool. The Red Devils are now being linked with a move for Hugo Ekitike, a striker who has reportedly been on Liverpool’s radar for several months.
Alarmingly, there’s every reason to believe he might prefer an Old Trafford switch. “My favourite club as a child was Manchester United. I’ve always admired them,” Ekitike told French radio station RTL in December 2024.
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike scored 22 goals this season for Frankfurt. (Image: Getty Images)
The 22-year-old is seen as one of the brightest young strikers on the market after netting 22 goals and providing 12 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt this season. His pace could also appeal to Liverpool - adding more speed to the team is a clear facet of Slot’s summer plans.
Ekitike has also been linked with Chelsea, although it seems unlikely the Blues would sign two center forwards in the same window.
Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Vitality Stadium.
United has already added Cunha to its ranks this summer. (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
According to German outlet Bild, United has already expressed interest in the Frankfurt protege. The arrival of Matheus Cunha and the possible signing of Bryan Mbuemo represent a positive start to the window for United, despite given its lowly 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 campaign.
Meanwhile, other options for Liverpool include Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David and Dusan Vlahovic.
The Reds may feel that, with no standout name available, it might be advisable to stick with the current options available, in addition to the arriving Wirtz, who can play as a striker.
Alexander Isak is the target everyone wants, but it seems unlikely the Swede will be available this summer. As it did with Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool may decide to wait until the prime target is an option in a future transfer window.