Liverpool have been linked with several strikers this summer in their hunt to find an upgrade on Darwin Nunez.
Indeed, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo did a more than solid job at filling in as Arne Slot’s number nine last season, but in reality, they’d be far better off with a natural striker leading their attack.
There’s also no hiding from the fact that Liverpool will be expected to come away with the Premier League title once again in the 2025-26 campaign.
Liverpool's Dutch striker Cody Gakpo celebrates with the Premier League trophy during an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool's Premier League title win, in Liverpool
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
So, for them to do this, a consistent number nine will be key, and while many players have been linked, it looks like the Reds are set to zone in on one particular target.
Liverpool set to firm up their interest in Hugo Ekitike this summer
One of the main things that seems to be holding up a deal for Hugo Ekitike this summer is his price tag.
Eintracht Frankfurt currently value Ekitike at around £85million due to the length of time left on his current contract and the potential he could end up fulfilling.
And, as per a new report from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, it’s clear that Liverpool won’t be stopping their pursuit of the attacker any time soon.
“Eintracht Frankfurt would like to keep Hugo Ekitike, also to be well prepared for the Champions League,” Plettenberg wrote via his personal X account.
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“However, Eintracht are expecting offers this month. Liverpool remain a concrete option. Newcastle have renewed their interest. Manchester United still there.
“Chelsea are currently unlikely due to the transfer of João Pedro. His price tag is €100m.
“How will the poker end?”
🚨🦅 Eintracht Frankfurt would like to keep Hugo #Ekitike, also to be well prepared for the Champions League.
However, Eintracht are expecting offers this month. Liverpool remain a concrete option. Newcastle have renewed their interest. Manchester United still there. Chelsea… pic.twitter.com/DO93EW1JRP
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 12, 2025
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Hugo Ekitike would be an impressive coup for Liverpool
Although Ekitike is likely to take every last piece of money that Liverpool have in their war chest, there’s no denying that he’s an exceptional talent.
The striker is only 23 years old and has come into his own over the last year or so.
He bagged himself 22 goals across all competitions last season and more than proved his worth when Omar Marmoush was sold to Manchester City.
In fact, his performance against Tottenham in the Europa League back in April was so good that a TNT Sports commentator hailed him as a “stunning” player.
Of course, only time will tell whether Liverpool will be able to scrape the money together for a move, but if they can, Anfield will likely become even more of a fortress than it already is.