Liverpool Eye Hugo Ekitike as Nunez Nears Exit Amid Tragedy and Transition
Fresh off their 2024/25 Premier League title triumph, Liverpool face a period of transition marked by personal loss and strategic reshuffling. The club continues to mourn the devastating loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. While unconfirmed rumors have circulated about another crash near Anfield on July 10, nothing has been officially reported.
On the footballing front, Liverpool’s focus has now turned sharply toward reinforcing their attacking line, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike emerging as a prime target. The 23-year-old French striker is being considered as a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who appears to be on the verge of a transfer to Napoli.
Napoli’s initial offer of €55 million plus €5 million in bonuses was rejected, with Liverpool valuing Nunez closer to £70 million. Nunez, despite delivering some key moments like a late brace against Brentford that reignited Liverpool’s title charge, ended the 2024/25 campaign with just five league goals. Since his £85 million move from Benfica in 2022, he has tallied 40 goals across 143 matches but has struggled to secure a regular starting role under Arne Slot.
Napoli see Nunez as the ideal replacement for Victor Osimhen, who is reportedly bound for Galatasaray in a €75 million deal. However, they are also exploring cheaper alternatives, such as Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca.
In contrast, Liverpool are preparing a potential €100 million bid for Ekitike, pending the final outcome of Nunez’s move. According to Fabrizio Romano, the French forward is willing to hold out for a switch to Anfield, highlighting his interest in a long-term role at the club.
Ekitike impressed in 2024/25 with 22 goals in 48 appearances, and his blend of dribbling, finishing, and tactical awareness makes him an ideal fit for Slot’s evolving possession-based system. With 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 games for Frankfurt, Ekitike presents a more clinical and composed option than Nunez.
Liverpool are also tracking other forwards such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, though his price tag—over £100 million—is seen as prohibitive. Victor Osimhen is being monitored but isn’t considered a top priority. There’s also speculation about a potential swap deal involving Federico Chiesa, but that remains unconfirmed.
The pursuit of Ekitike complements recent business, including the signing of Joao Pedro and a rumored move for Florian Wirtz, who would be Liverpool’s marquee addition this summer.
With Jota’s tragic passing and Nunez possibly leaving, Liverpool are in urgent need of firepower. As they prepare for their pre-season fixture against Preston on July 13, securing Ekitike could prove crucial in their bid to defend their league crown and stay competitive across Europe.
