Liverpool are in the market for a new striker this summer with Darwin Nunez's future at Anfield looking increasingly uncertain, and the Reds have identified three potential targets
09:24, 01 Jul 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Arne Slot's striker shortlist has emerged(Image: Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)
Liverpool have added Victor Osimhen to their shortlist as deals for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike face complications.
Arne Slot has plans to sign a new forward for the Premier League champions this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Darwin Nunez's future. The prospect of Nunez, 26, departing for Napoli has amped up the urgency at Anfield to hunt for a proven goalscorer to join their stellar attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz.
But it’s not just the frontline Liverpool are keen to bolster; they're also eyeing defensive reinforcements. The Anfield club are reportedly nearing a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, while homegrown centre-back Jarell Quansah could soon be heading in the opposite direction to new recruits Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite splashing the cash this transfer window, Liverpool's PSR financial position over recent seasons means signing another striker isn't as much of a hurdle as previously thought. Eyeing several potential forward targets, Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Ekitike has been one of the major names linked with Liverpool, while Newcastle's Alexander Isak is a long-term target. Here, Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Liverpool transfer news.
Ekitike finances
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - MAY 17: Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates after the third goal during the Bundesliga match between Sport-Club Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt at Europa-Park Stadion on May 17, 2025 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a popular target this summer(Image: Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto, Getty Images)
According to Sky Sport Germany, if Ekitike were to make the move to Liverpool, he would have to wait until later in the summer window due to the need to raise funds via player sales.
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Frankfurt are likely to stand firm on their valuation, believed to be in the region of £85million for the 23-year-old, and won't allow their prized asset to leave on the cheap.
Frankfurt chief Markus Krosche said: "If the price isn't right, then he'll simply stay with us. We don't have to sell Hugo.
"He's one of the most interesting strikers on the European market. Hugo has to decide that. I'm glad we have him.
"If he decides otherwise, that's our motto: If a player develops faster than us, we let him go."
Isak fee
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC at St James' Park on May 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle are desperate to keep Alexander Isak(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Reds have been exploring other striking options. Reports suggest that they’re keeping tabs on Newcastle's Isak, arousing fears with Magpies chiefs that a mega-money offer could be launched.
Newcastle are scrambling to retain their star, offering the 25-year-old a lucrative contract to become their top earner.
The Swede scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League games last season and netted the winner in the Carabao Cup final to beat the Reds.
Osimhen option
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - APRIL 20: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Bodrum on April 20, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen is set to leave Napoli this summer(Image: Ahmad Mora, Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen presents a more affordable option in terms of a transfer fee than the two previously mentioned targets.
The Nigerian international, after impressing on loan with Galatasaray last season, seems poised to leave Napoli, despite netting 37 times across competitions.
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With a rumoured €75m (£63m) release clause, Osimhen's future hangs in the balance.
However, his wage demands are thought to be an obstacle that has prevented many top sides across Europe from securing his signature.