Liverpool has lost the “advantage” in the transfer race for Hugo Ekitike, according to reports in Germany.
The Eintracht Frankfurt star has emerged as one of the most sought-after targets in the market this summer, with a host of Premier League clubs aiming to bring in a new striker.
Ekitike has been mentioned alongside names such as Liam Delap, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal possibly in need of a new no.9.
After netting 22 in 48 games this season, it’s no surprise that Ekitike is near the top of most clubs’ lists in a summer that could be dominated by the movements of strikers in the market. As per German transfer reporter Christian Falk, it’s Chelsea who now “hold the best cards".
He adds that Arsenal has dropped out of the race, with the three-team battle now only being contested between Liverpool and Chelsea.
The report also claims the Blues are “already in dialogue with the player’s side” but Liverpool is not yet fully out of the race.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring for Frankfurt
Ekitike netted 22 times in the 2024/25 season (Image: (Image: Getty))
Should Liverpool miss out, it would be a blow. The Frenchman has been linked more regularly in recent months than any of the aforementioned strikers, particularly with a sense that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is unlikely to be available this summer.
The Reds are expected to bring in Florian Wirtz, who can operate up front, but is not viewed as a central striker.
The need to reinforce in that area has been laid bare this season due to a lack of firepower from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota. Between them, the forwards managed two combined goals from mid-January.
Arne Slot also ended the season using Luis Diaz as his first-choice striker. Nunez is expected to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, while there have also been reports of a possible exit for Jota.
Liam Delap
Delap also reportedly on the verge of a move to Chelsea. (Image: Getty Images)
As for Chelsea, a move for Ekitike would surprise fans, especially given it has been widely reported Delap is set to join Enzo Maresca’s side.
Nicolas Jackson is also already at the club and it seems unlikely all three will be part of the squad next season.
Chelsea secured Champions League qualification on the final day of the Premier League season and added the Conference League to their trophy collection on Wednesday.
It’s a conclusion to the campaign that overrides some of the discontent that has existed within the supporter base for the majority of the term.