Liverpool Target Hugo Ekitike as Striker Search Intensifies Amid Transitional Period
Fresh off their 2024/25 Premier League title triumph, Liverpool find themselves in a period of transition—shaped by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a fatal car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025. While rumors swirled about another possible incident outside Anfield on July 10, the club has not confirmed any such event. Amid these emotional challenges, reinforcing the attacking line has become a top priority.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a leading candidate. The 23-year-old French forward, who enjoyed a standout 2024/25 season with 22 goals in 48 appearances, fits the profile of what Arne Slot wants in a striker—technically skilled, composed, and comfortable in a possession-oriented system. With Darwin Núñez edging closer to a Napoli switch, Ekitike is seen as a ready-made replacement.
Núñez’s form since his £85 million arrival from Benfica in 2022 has been inconsistent—40 goals in 143 appearances and only five Premier League goals last season. Though he had flashes of brilliance, including a crucial late brace against Brentford, his lack of sharp finishing and limited starts under Slot (just eight league games) have led the club to explore offers. Napoli, in need of a successor to Victor Osimhen—who is set to join Galatasaray for €75 million—see Núñez as a top target, but face competition and financial constraints, with cheaper options like Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca also in the mix.
Liverpool reportedly turned down a €55 million bid (including €5 million in add-ons) from Napoli and are holding firm at their £70 million valuation. Ekitike, whose contributions for Frankfurt include 26 goals and 14 assists across 64 matches, is seen as a more precise fit than Núñez for Slot’s more controlled, fluid system—marking a shift from Klopp’s transitional, high-tempo setup. According to reports from July 9, 2025, Liverpool are actively negotiating a potential €100 million transfer, though any formal bid may depend on finalizing Núñez’s exit. Notably, Ekitike is said to be willing to wait for Liverpool, highlighting his eagerness to join the project.
The Reds’ interest in Ekitike reflects a strategic pivot. Their pursuit of Alexander Isak, another high-profile target, has reportedly stalled due to Newcastle’s £100+ million asking price. While other options—like a swap involving Juventus winger Federico Chiesa or even a late bid for Osimhen—are being explored, Slot is said to favor a player like Ekitike who can seamlessly integrate into his system and complement fellow newcomers like Joao Pedro and Florian Wirtz.
As Liverpool gear up for their pre-season opener against Preston on July 13, the urgency to land a clinical, tactically intelligent striker is growing. With the departure of Núñez on the horizon and Jota’s heartbreaking passing, bringing in someone like Ekitike could prove vital in sustaining their title defense and Champions League ambitions.
