Liverpool have opened discussions with Hugo Ekitike’s camp as the club continues preparations for the summer transfer window, with the forward seen as a possible addition to Arne Slot’s attacking options for next season.
The 21-year-old striker is currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, and although his future there remains uncertain, there’s growing belief that he could move on at the end of the campaign.
Anfield Watch suggests Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal have all spoken to his representatives to lay out their ideas and project for the young Frenchman.
For Liverpool, interest in Ekitike comes at a time when the club is expected to part ways with Darwin Núñez, who has failed to consistently deliver in front of goal since arriving from Benfica.
While Núñez has shown flashes of promise, the club is now looking for a more composed and clinical presence in attack.
Ekitike is being viewed as a strong alternative to Alexander Isak, who remains a top target but may end up staying at Newcastle United as the Magpies push to tie him down to a new contract.
Should Isak remain unobtainable this summer, Ekitike could become the focus of Liverpool’s striker search.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also in the mix as they continue to look for reinforcements in attack, with injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus leaving them short during the crucial stages of the title race.
Manchester United, too, are monitoring Ekitike closely, having been disappointed by the limited output from both Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
All early talks with Ekitike’s camp are said to have gone well, and there’s a sense that interest will intensify as the transfer window approaches. Frankfurt are expected to demand around €80 million (£68m) for the striker, and won’t let him go easily.
With multiple clubs expected to chase new forwards this summer, Liverpool will be aiming to stay ahead of the pack – and landing Ekitike could be a smart move to sharpen their frontline ahead of a fresh title challenge under Slot.
