Liverpool has identified its preferred striker in the transfer market, Fabrizio Romano claims via a fresh update.
The Reds’ transfer activity has advanced quickly this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival confirmed before the window had even opened. New goalkeeper Armin Pecsi signed soon after, before the club broke its transfer record to bring in Florian Wirtz.
The German has signed for an initial £100 million ($135M), plus a possible £16M ($22M) in add-ons. Milos Kerkez’s transfer is expected soon, too - something the defender’s family has all but confirmed - bringing Liverpool’s spending to around the £175M ($236M) mark.
But it looks unlikely to be the end of the summer splurge, with a new center-back and striker seen as possible inclusions to follow. A new no.9 certainly feels like an important addition given the struggles of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota in the latter half of this season.
While Alexander Isak is seen as the best option on the market, Newcastle United’s steep asking price will likely prevent any potential bids from arriving. It means Liverpool’s hierarchy may have to look elsewhere.
Several names have been suggested as possible new signings: Victor Osimhen, Vitkor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Julian Alvarez have been the main protagonists in that area of transfer coverage this summer.
Liverpool has been linked with a move for Alexander Isak
Liverpool has been linked with a move for Alexander Isak (Image: Getty Images)
But, speaking on the latest episode of Give Me Sport’s Market Madness podcast, Romano has suggested another striker is leading that race.
“Liverpool would try to go for Isak [if he became available] but at the moment I don't have this feeling,” the social media figure revealed.
“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,” Romano added. “Because if Darwin Nunez leaves, let's see what happens with Luis Diaz, but especially Darwin, and I see Darwin leaving this summer.
Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool could look to sign Ekitike this summer. (Image: Getty Images)
“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.
“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.”
Ekitike (23) netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists from 48 appearances this season for Eintracht Frankfurt. Reports have indicated the German side has set an asking price of €100M ($113M/£84M) for the striker.