A major development has emerged in Liverpool’s pursuit of a new striker ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Reds have already made significant moves in the transfer market, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and club-record signing Florian Wirtz for £116 million. Despite these additions, manager Arne Slot is reportedly intent on securing a proven No.9 to lead the line.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak—who scored 23 league goals last season—is one of the high-profile names on Liverpool’s shortlist. Meanwhile, the club is also keeping a close eye on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool remains a “concrete” contender for Ekitike’s signature, especially after Chelsea pulled out of the race following their £60 million capture of Joao Pedro from Brighton.
Plettenberg added on X:
“Eintracht Frankfurt want to keep Hugo Ekitike, particularly with Champions League commitments ahead. But Liverpool are still very much in the picture.”
Despite Eintracht Frankfurt’s desire to keep Hugo Ekitike ahead of their Champions League campaign, the German club is expecting formal offers for the striker to arrive in the coming weeks.
Liverpool remains a serious contender for the 22-year-old, with Newcastle United also reigniting their interest. Manchester United, too, are still in the race, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, even after securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal. Manager Ruben Amorim reportedly wants further reinforcements in attack.
Chelsea, on the other hand, appear to have stepped back from the pursuit following the £60 million signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton, making them an unlikely destination at this stage.
Ekitike’s price tag is believed to be in the region of €100 million. With Liverpool and Newcastle both able to offer Champions League football, the transfer saga is heating up.
Plettenberg summed it up by asking the question on everyone’s mind:
“How will the poker end?”
