Liverpool have been given a reality check regarding their pursuit of Alexander Isak, with suggestions that a deal is unlikely, but there’s still reason for optimism.
According to Fabrizo Romano, the Reds have already opened talks with the representatives of Hugo Ekitike as a potential alternative. The Merseyside club have made an assertive start to the summer transfer window, wasting no time in strengthening their squad. Jeremie Frimpong was the first through the door, arriving just before the window officially opened.
He was followed by the high-profile signing of Florian Wirtz on Friday — a blockbuster $158 million (£116 million) move that set a new British transfer record once add-ons are included. And Liverpool aren’t done yet, with a deal also wrapped up to bring exciting left-back Milos Kerkez to Anfield as their third summer addition.
Despite Liverpool’s spending pushing close to $256 million (£190 million) this summer, Arne Slot’s squad overhaul is far from finished. The Reds are reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign centre-back Marc Guehi, taking a significant step toward bolstering their defence.
Meanwhile, fans are bracing for another major investment up front, with Darwin Nunez’s departure opening the door for a marquee striker signing. Recent rumours have linked Newcastle’s prolific forward Isak with a move to Anfield. However, Romano remains skeptical about Liverpool securing the Swedish international, suggesting that a deal is unlikely. Instead, he points to Ekitike as a more realistic target for Liverpool’s attack this summer.
Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, Romano said: “Liverpool would try to go for Isak [if he became available], but at the moment I don’t have this feeling. The club, too, from what I’m hearing, see it as a very, very difficult deal. A name I can mention for Liverpool is still Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt.
"Because if Darwin Nunez leaves, let’s see what happens with Luis Diaz, but especially Darwin, and I see Darwin leaving this summer. Well, I think for Ekitike this could be a possibility to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United, in recent days, also made contact with the agents to understand the situation."
Hugo Ekitike
Fabrizio Romano believes Hugo Ekitike is a more realistic target than Alexander Isak (Image: Getty Images)
He added: "But for Liverpool, this is also a possibility. Liverpool also spoke to the agents. Also, Liverpool considered Ekitike an interesting opportunity. And so that’s the name I would keep in their shortlist.”
Competition for Ekitike remains fierce, with Liverpool facing strong interest from both United and Chelsea in its pursuit of the young striker. The Blues recently held extensive talks with Eintracht Frankfurt about a potential transfer, but paused negotiations as the Bundesliga club insisted on a hefty $115 million (£85.6 million) asking price.
Manchester United have also expressed interest in Ekitike in recent days. However, Ruben Amorim’s side will need to raise funds by offloading several surplus players before making a serious push for the France Under-21 international.
With fewer financial constraints at Anfield and the ongoing progress in finalizing Nunez’s exit, Liverpool find themselves in a strong position to act decisively if they choose to make Ekitike their next big signing this summer.