Liverpool can’t seem to escape Real Madrid, who have set their sights on Hugo Ekitike less than 12 months into his time at Anfield.
Los Blancos have been the ultimate thorn in Liverpool’s side for the past decade, first depriving Jurgen Klopp of two more Champions League trophies, and now consistently going after our best players.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the poster boy of this abusive relationship, and Ibrahima Konate might be next to join Madrid for free. For Liverpool fans, that has been distressing. But the new interest in Ekitike might just push some people over the edge.
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Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the Premier League against Newcastle United at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Hugo Ekitike has ‘climbed sharply’ up Real Madrid’s transfer wishlist
The Frenchman has been a revelation since putting on the red shirt. Not only is he a lethal number nine, he offers so much more with his link-up play and pace to stretch defences.
Word of his talent has reached the Bernabeu, and TEAMtalk claim Ekitike has ‘surged’ onto their radar. His ‘rapid development’ has many in Madrid visualising the Liverpool man joining national teammate Kylian Mbappe in the front line.
Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike embrace after France score during the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Azerbaijan
Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images
Ekitike is on a shortlist alongside Man City’s Erling Haaland, but it’s believed that Madrid are planning a striker signing for 2027 rather than this summer.
So it’s not the worst news, but certainly not welcome news either. Madrid have similar admiration for Dominik Szoboszlai, and even Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a switch to the Spanish capital. Can they not shop somewhere else?
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Hugo Ekitike’s uncertain Liverpool future
Here’s the thing. As much as Liverpool love Ekitike, they have put themselves in an awkward spot with the 23-year-old.
Signing Alexander Isak for a record fee just weeks after his arrival has made planning for the future a bit more difficult. Both are good enough to start for Arne Slot, but at the moment, the system isn’t going to get the best out of the two strikers.
That’s why next season is so important. Slot (or his replacement) needs to figure out how to maximise the two elite nines, neither of whom will be content with anything but a starting role.
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If Liverpool can’t solve that puzzle and get him as involved as he needs to be, it’s hard to see Ekitike turning down the chance to go play for the biggest club in the world.
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