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£69m Spain international could still be an option for Liverpool as transfer dominoes fail to fall - opinion

Liverpool’s new striker search has so far failed to bear fruit during this summer’s transfer market.

It has been a relatively open secret that the Reds have been on the lookout for a player to replace Darwin Nunez.

Nunez has been in negotiations with Napoli, and although a deal with the Italian champions is not close, there remains an expectation at Liverpool that the Uruguayan will depart.

Several players have been put forward as potential successors to Nunez, with Liverpool still dreaming of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle.

So far, though, there has been little movement on the Isak front. Recent reports claimed that Newcastle want Hugo Ekitike, which some supporters felt may be a good sign, but nothing has come of that either.

With the dominoes not yet falling in relation to Ekitike and Isak, it is starting to feel as though Liverpool may have to look elsewhere for their new addition. And there may be a good opportunity in Portugal which few people are talking about.

Spain striker Samu Aghehowa pictured during the UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands at Mestalla Stadium

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Liverpool could turn to Samu Aghehowa

Liverpool have been linked with most of Europe’s leading strikers over recent months.

The latest on the list is seemingly Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, with claims from France that Liverpool have met with Mateta and his agent over a move.

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But amidst interest in Isak, Ekitike, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and, indeed, Mateta, no one has yet mentioned Porto’s Samu Aghehowa as an option for Liverpool.

Aghehowa had a remarkably good season after joining Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer, scoring 27 goals in all competitions.

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According to A Bola, Porto have bought Aghehowa’s full rights from Atletico, and are now subject to mounting interest from the Premier League for their star striker.

The Portuguese side are reportedly putting a price tag of at least £69m on Aghehowa, but when put against the fee expected for someone like Isak, this should be appealing to Liverpool.

Aghehowa is one of Europe’s most lethal strikers

It would not be a huge surprise to hear that Liverpool are one of the Premier League sides keen on Aghehowa.

Appearances Goals Assists

Alexander Isak 42 27 6

Hugo Ekitike 48 22 12

Benjamin Sesko 45 21 6

Victor Osimhen 41 37 7

Jean-Philippe Mateta 46 17 4

Samu Aghehowa 45 27 3

Liverpool potential striker targets 2024/25

He almost signed for Chelsea last summer and is clearly a name on the radar of elite English clubs.

It is fair to be wary of prolific strikers in the Portuguese league after Liverpool were somewhat stung by Nunez and Benfica in 2022. However, Aghehowa looks like a potentially even bigger prospect.

At just 21, the Porto man is a full Spain international already, and if the Reds leave it another season, he may become out of reach in terms of price.

Clearly, Liverpool would prefer an Isak to arrive this summer, perhaps even an Ekitike, but as time ticks on and things fail to fall into place, Aghehowa could yet become a real contender to be the Reds next No. 9.

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