According to Caught Offside, Hugo Ekitike is still very much at the top part of Liverpool’s striker shortlist, as the Reds could not prioritise a move for the Frenchman. The Eintracht Frankfurt will only sell him for their price demand, as Arne Slot’s side are now ready to accelerate the move.
The sad demise of Diogo Jota has been the big talking point on Thursday, with the Liverpool striker and his brother passing away following a road accident in Spain. The striker will leave a considerable void in the club’s dressing room as well as shortening Arne Slot’s options up front.
Liverpool were already considering bringing in a new striker, with the departure of Darwin Nunez looking imminent. The Uruguayan has held talks with Napoli, to whom Liverpool reportedly proposed an exchange deal to sign Victor Osimhen in return.
The move for the Nigerian is still within the realm of possibilities, although there are other names on Liverpool’s list. The Club were prepared to make a record move for Alexander Isak, although Newcastle United are asking a price point of around £150 million or more while they are focused on renewing the Swede’s deal at the club.
Hence, Liverpool might circle back to another one of their targets Hugo Ekitike. Arsenal are back in the hunt for the Frenchman as they have not made headway in their pursuit of either Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamins Sesko. Manchester United are also interested in Ekitike, although it’s Liverpool who may have an upper hand in the race.
Liverpool were seen as front runner, and they may now accelerate the pursuit of the striker who had 34 goals and assists for Eintracht Frankfurt last season. The 22-year-old could be open to leaving the German side, who are incidentally expecting a price tag of around €100 million for their star striker.
The 34 G/A striker is seen as a good tactical fit for Arne Slot’s system, as Liverpool are now ready to prioritise a move for Ekitike. It remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old emerges as their main target ahead of Isak or Osimhen, as there’s a big chance the Merseysiders end up negotiating a top price for the French attacker as the window progresses.
