Liverpool are in the market to sign a new centre-forward this summer to replace Darwin Nunez and have several options.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the strikers that best suit them are reportedly not for sale.
Both Atletico Madrid and Newcastle United are refusing to sell Julian Alvarez and Alexander Isak respectively and while that might change down the line this summer, the finances involved in signing either of them mean it’s very unlikely they could become Liverpool players this summer.
One thing that is very clear is that Arne Slot will sell Darwin Nunez this summerArne Slot will sell Darwin Nunez this summer and a replacement will be signed.
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are working on a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker scored 22 goals last season, as per Transfermarkt, and also managed to provide 12 assists for his teammates, attracting attention from the biggest clubs in Europe.
Liverpool need a replacement for Nunez and Ekitike is, on paper, one of the best options available to clubs looking for a top centre-forward.
Whether or not he can translate his Bundesliga form to the Premier League remains to be seen but Romano says Liverpool are working on bringing him to England.
Speaking on YouTube, Fabrizio Romano reports: “Liverpool are working on this deal, they are discussing the possibility of adding Hugo Ekitike to their squad.
“The idea of Liverpool is to have one more striker, they are waiting to understand what happens with Darwin Nunez with conversations ongoing with Napoli.
“Liverpool can add a new striker, so Hugo Ekitike remains a name on the list for the club.
“Of course, this is not a deal happening today or tomorrow, so we need to be patient – but Ekitike is a name on the list for Liverpool.”
How will Liverpool navigate Frankfurt’s €100m asking price?
After his incredible 2024/25 season, Frankfurt have slapped an £80m asking price on Ekitike and it will be curious to see how Liverpool navigate negotiations.
“If the price isn’t right, then he’ll simply stay with us,” Frankfurt CEO Markus Krösche said to regional paper Wiesbadener Kurier as quoted by Bulinews.
“We don’t have to sell Hugo.”
Liverpool will not be able to bully Frankfurt with the German side in a strong place financially.
If the Reds want to sign him, they will reportedly have to meet the €100m (£80m) asking price.