Arsenal
Liverpool’s long-standing curiosity in Hugo Ekitike has resurfaced, however with a well-recognized caveat — funds. In response to Christian Falk’s replace in The Each day Briefing, Liverpool are amongst three Premier League golf equipment monitoring the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Frenchman loved a standout 2024/25 marketing campaign in Germany, netting 22 objectives and aiding 12 instances in 48 matches. At 22, he matches Liverpool’s current recruitment technique of focusing on younger, high-upside expertise from Europe’s high 5 leagues.
However there’s a catch. “Liverpool may make a transfer as soon as they’ve bought Darwin Nunez,” Falk reported, underlining how the Reds’ capability to behave hinges on outgoing motion. Frankfurt’s €100 million valuation presently presents a non-starter for Liverpool except they recoup funds elsewhere.
United, it’s believed, are the one membership to have formally opened dialogue with Frankfurt, with Falk including, “There have been no negotiations and even a proposal as issues presently stand” from Liverpool.
Nunez State of affairs Reaches Crossroads
Darwin Nunez’s Anfield profession seems to be reaching a pure conclusion. Curiosity has emerged from each Napoli and the Saudi Professional League, and the Uruguayan appears unlikely to play a central function below Arne Slot shifting ahead.
Nunez managed simply 5 Premier League objectives final season and completed with 40 objectives and 22 assists from 143 complete video games since arriving in 2022. Whereas these uncooked numbers replicate a sure stage of contribution, his type and confidence fluctuated too typically for a facet chasing home and European titles.
A major issue seems to be Slot’s lack of belief within the No.9. With Liverpool already committing £116 million to Florian Wirtz, and strengthening in different areas, the ahead line now seems to be primed for an additional shake-up.
Bundesliga Hyperlinks Run Deep
It’s no secret Arne Slot has appeared to the Bundesliga for options in his first summer time on the helm. The arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz trace at a transparent appreciation for the German high flight’s tactical edge and depth — attributes Ekitike showcased all through Frankfurt’s season.
Although no transfer is imminent, Liverpool’s renewed curiosity in Ekitike speaks to the membership’s future imaginative and prescient. Youthful, versatile attackers who can each lead the road and press aggressively are central to the system Slot needs to embed.
Nonetheless, the price stays a sticking level. Frankfurt’s €100 million demand for a participant with just one standout season is steep, even in at this time’s inflated market.
Assault Faces Extra Reshuffle
Luis Diaz’s future additionally stays unsure amid persistent curiosity from elsewhere. Ought to each Diaz and Nunez depart, Liverpool would face a fast transformation in assault inside a single window.
The funding in Wirtz suggests Liverpool are getting ready for such a transition, shifting in direction of extra technical, multifunctional forwards who thrive in fluid techniques. Ekitike may very well be the following piece — however provided that house, and funds, is made out there.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report seems like one other step in direction of closure for Darwin Nunez’s Anfield chapter. Whereas nobody doubts his need or explosive potential, the consistency simply hasn’t materialised, and with Arne Slot already making daring choices, a clear break may swimsuit each side.
The curiosity in Hugo Ekitike is sensible. He’s younger, assured and contemporary off a prolific season in a aggressive league. The value tag is hefty, but when Nunez departs for the same charge, it’s a swap that might revitalise our ahead line.
It’s additionally telling that Slot has prioritised Bundesliga expertise. Wirtz and Frimpong weren’t low cost, and this factors to a supervisor keen to reshape the facet in his imaginative and prescient shortly. That ought to excite followers — particularly after a title-winning debut season.
However let’s be reasonable. Spending €100 million on one other ahead solely works if we streamline first. If we do lose each Nunez and Diaz, then Ekitike may very well be a sensible, future-proof signing who matches the tempo and press Liverpool followers love.
Nonetheless, we’ve been right here earlier than with excessive expectations. Ought to we act, it’s essential we get this one proper.
