Liverpool are hard at work searching for the perfect number nine to replace Darwin Nunez should he make the move to Saudi Arabia as has been speculated all season.
Arne Slot and his staff have blown supporters away this season with the Reds surprising everyone by breezing their way to a second Premier League title and 20th overall.
The Dutchman restored Liverpool to their perch that Sir Alex Ferguson dedicated his entire career to dismantling but things are set to get better for the Liverpool supporters.
With Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez all expected to join the club soon, Liverpool are not stepping back to clap themselves on the back but are accelerating for another exciting signing.
It won’t be Julian Alvarez after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Atletico Madrid have zero intention of selling him – just like Newcastle United with Alexander Isak.
Romano reports in his GiveMeSport newsletter: “Atletico Madrid absolutely want to keep Julian. There’s interest from Premier League, it’s true for sure but Atléti insist on keeping him.”
But, Liverpool are now in talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool in talks to sign Hugo Ekitike as Edwards and Slot accelerate towards another €100m Bundesliga signing
According to multiple sources breaking the news from Germany, Liverpool are now turning their attention to Ekitike with a move to sign Wirtz almost at the point of completion.
First up, Sacha Tavolieri reports that Liverpool view Ekitike as the perfect player to replace Nunez should he leave.
“As David Ornstein told, Alexander Isak’s now set to stay in Newcastle after they quality for Champions League,” wrote Tavolieri on X.
“Liverpool now focus on… Hugo Ekitike as target for the number 9 position in case of Darwin Nunez leaving for Saudi Arabia or Spain.”
More reliably, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reports that talks are already underway but adds that Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche wants €100 million (£83.9m) to sell the forward.
Plettigoal reports: “The next big target from the Bundesliga: Understand FC Liverpool are now seriously in the race for Hugo Ekitike!”
“Talks have taken place. Slot/Edwards keen on him. The biggest rival at the moment: Chelsea.
“Eintracht Frankfurt have not yet received an offer. Markus Krosche still demands €100 million.”
?? The next big target from the Bundesliga: Understand FC Liverpool are now seriously in the race for Hugo #Ekitike!
Talks have taken place. Slot/Edwards keen on him. The biggest rival at the moment: Chelsea.
Eintracht Frankfurt have not yet received an offer. Markus Krösche… pic.twitter.com/aCflXT3QYU
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 28, 2025
How has Hugo Ekitike played this season and can he translate it to the Premier League?
For starters, it’s worth noting that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are certain to do their best to bring Ekitike’s transfer fee down because he simply isn’t worth paying that much money for just yet.
Unlike Wirtz, he does not have three seasons of incredible data to back a mega-money move to Anfield but his stats from this season are very good and it’s understandable to see why Liverpool want him.
This season, the France U21 star has 22 goals and 12 assists across over 3,500 minutes. His fitness is excellent, he’s strong, fast and technically gifted.
One thing he needs to work on is his shot selection. 22 goals does sound like he’s got it all figured out but sometimes – a bit like Nunez – there is an element of hit and hope to his shooting.
That said, he’s a bit like Bobby Firmino in that he’s neither an outright centre-forward nor a cut and dry false nine. His biggest talent is link-up play and the biggest beneficiary of this will be Mohamed Salah.
