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Liverpool appear to be zeroing in on Hugo Ekitike as their prime candidate for the No.9 role this summer, with Empire of the Kop reporting that the French forward has emerged as the “best fit” for Arne Slot’s pressing and fluid attacking style.
It comes after Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claimed Liverpool had whittled their striker shortlist to three names: Hugo Ekitike, Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak. While the latter two remain in contention, Ekitike is understood to have overtaken them as the most strategically sensible choice, both in terms of playing profile and financial feasibility.
According to Empire of the Kop’s sources, Slot is prioritising a striker who combines pace, pressing energy and strong link-up play — a mould Ekitike fits particularly well. Though Eintracht Frankfurt are holding out for a fee in the region of £73m to £85.9m, Liverpool’s recruitment team is reportedly content to wait until outgoings create space for the move.
Photo: IMAGO
Complications in Chasing Isak or Osimhen
Initially, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was thought to be Liverpool’s top target. However, Empire of the Kop report that “there’s a realisation that it’d be extremely difficult to sign him this summer,” with the Magpies demanding in excess of £150m.
In contrast, the pursuit of Victor Osimhen has taken a creative turn. The Reds have proposed a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa and £17m to Napoli. That offer is still being assessed by the Serie A champions, who are understood to be pushing for a higher cash component.
Photo: IMAGO
Ekitike’s Statistical Edge Highlights Suitability
Ekitike’s appeal isn’t just theoretical. His underlying data provides solid backing for why he could be a strong fit at Anfield.
As Empire of the Kop highlight using FBref stats, Ekitike surpassed Isak last season in several key areas:
Shot-creating actions per 90: 3.55 vs Isak’s 3.01
Tackles and interceptions: 23 vs 15
Touches in the midfield third: 430 vs 386
Ball recoveries: 87 vs 55
These numbers demonstrate a forward willing to press high, drop deep and contribute in transition — all hallmarks of Slot’s tactical blueprint.
Financial Sense and Squad Balance
With Osimhen’s price tag and Isak’s valuation both soaring well above the £100m mark, an outright deal for Ekitike in the £75m–£80m range appears more pragmatic. Empire of the Kop suggest this route would be “far preferable to trading Nunez and Chiesa (plus £17m) for Osimhen.”
There’s also the growing feeling that Ekitike is not just a budget option, but one that tactically and developmentally aligns with the Slot era at Liverpool.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Ekitike? Sign him up! From a fan’s point of view, this makes total sense. We’ve seen what Arne Slot values in his forwards, mobility, pressing, technical quality, and Ekitike ticks all those boxes. He’s only 23 and already showing stats that mirror what we saw from Bobby Firmino in his peak years.
There’s always excitement when a name like Isak or Osimhen is linked, but at £150m, you expect a sure-fire superstar. Ekitike might not be that marquee name yet, but there’s something that just feels “Liverpool” about this approach. He’s the kind of player we mould into a top-tier performer, not buy once they’ve peaked.
Fans are right to question why we’d consider trading Darwin and cash for Osimhen, especially when Ekitike can grow into that role without the chaos. Slot won the league in year one by getting the system right and now he needs the right pieces, not just the flashiest ones. If this happens, it’ll feel like the first smart move of a big summer.
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