Three-man shortlist: Liverpool step up search for a new striker

Liverpool Prioritise Striker Signing Amid Nunez Uncertainty

Liverpool’s summer rebuild under Arne Slot is gathering serious momentum — and attention is now turning toward one crucial area: the front line.

After securing deals for Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, the Reds have addressed key issues in defense and creativity. But with question marks surrounding Darwin Núñez’s form and future, signing a new striker has become a top priority for the Anfield hierarchy.

Núñez, who arrived amid high expectations, has struggled with consistency in front of goal and may be edging closer to an exit if a suitable offer arrives. The club is reportedly open to listening to bids, particularly from European sides monitoring the Uruguayan’s situation.

In response, Liverpool’s recruitment team — led by Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes, and Arne Slot — is now actively pursuing a forward who can seamlessly integrate into Slot’s high-pressing, fast-transition system.

Names such as Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak have been considered, but sources close to the club suggest that Liverpool may take a more strategic approach — prioritising system fit, pressing intelligence, and flexibility over pure star power.

The goal is clear: reinforce the frontline with a reliable, clinical striker who can thrive in Slot’s demanding tactical setup and help lead the next chapter of Liverpool’s attacking evolution.

With departures looming and competition intensifying, fans can expect more movement soon as the Reds shift their transfer strategy from foundation-building to firepower acquisition.

Liverpool Eye Three Strikers as Summer Reinforcements

Liverpool are weighing up a shortlist of striker options this summer, with Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Victor Osimhen all under consideration as Arne Slot looks to reshape his attacking line.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Premier League champions have conducted extensive scouting and background checks on all three forwards ahead of a possible move. A new striker is now viewed as a top priority, particularly amid continued uncertainty over Darwin Núñez’s long-term future at the club.

Hugo Ekitike: The Tactical Fit

Among the trio, Ekitike has emerged as a serious candidate. The 22-year-old French forward, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, is admired by Liverpool’s recruitment team for his versatility, pressing intelligence, and ability to play across the front line. His profile aligns well with Slot’s tactical system, which demands mobility, vertical speed, and work rate in the final third.

Ekitike is understood to be aware of the growing interest from Anfield, though any move would likely depend on Liverpool offloading players to maintain financial balance.

Alexander Isak: The Elite Target

Alexander Isak remains another name on Liverpool’s radar, though he would represent the most expensive of the three. Newcastle United are reluctant to sell their star striker, who scored 21 goals last season, and sources suggest it would take a Premier League record fee to even begin negotiations.

While Liverpool have not ruled out a move, the financial implications — coupled with Newcastle’s stance — make the Swedish international a difficult deal to execute.

Victor Osimhen: The Accessible Elite

Victor Osimhen is considered a more accessible elite option, despite his own high valuation. The Nigerian striker has long been linked with a move to England, and Napoli are open to offers this summer if their asking price — reportedly in the region of €100 million — is met.

Osimhen’s pace, pressing, and power make him a stylistic fit for Slot’s plans. While not cheap, he could represent a better balance between elite quality and attainable price compared to Isak.

Conclusion
Liverpool’s striker search will depend heavily on outgoings, particularly involving Núñez and fringe attackers. But with the groundwork already laid for key targets, the club appears poised to act decisively once the conditions align.

Slot’s preference for flexible, hard-working forwards suggests Liverpool will prioritise tactical compatibility and value for money over marquee names alone.

Osimhen-Núñez Swap Deal Could Ease Liverpool’s Striker Search

Liverpool’s search for a new striker may receive a major boost as Napoli look to bring Darwin Núñez to Serie A — potentially paving the way for a blockbuster swap deal involving Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen, who enjoyed a spectacular loan spell at Galatasaray last season — netting an astonishing 37 goals in all competitions — is expected to leave Napoli permanently this summer. The Serie A side are prepared to cash in on the Nigerian international, but are also strongly interested in acquiring Núñez from Liverpool.

That mutual interest could form the basis for a rare high-profile swap deal, aligning the ambitions of both clubs as they reshape their attacking departments.

Liverpool’s Summer Striker Priority

Following Darwin Núñez’s inconsistent form and growing speculation around his future, signing a top-tier centre-forward is a key objective for Liverpool and new head coach Arne Slot. With the club already making statements in the transfer market through the signings of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, attention has now shifted toward adding elite firepower up front.

Osimhen’s physicality, elite finishing, and proven pedigree in both Serie A and European competition make him a natural fit for Slot’s aggressive, transition-focused system. At just 26, he also represents a player entering his prime years.

A Deal That Makes Sense for Both Sides?

Napoli’s interest in Núñez, who has struggled for consistency but remains highly rated across Europe, could ease negotiations and reduce the financial burden on both clubs. With both players reportedly open to new challenges, a direct or partial swap deal could benefit all parties.

Whether the two clubs can agree on valuations — and whether Núñez is open to a move to Italy — remains to be seen, but talks are said to be at an exploratory stage.

What’s clear, though, is that a new striker is expected to arrive at Anfield before the transfer window closes — and Victor Osimhen may now be the front-runner.