Liverpool’s Ekitike Curiosity Tied to Potential Nunez Exit
Liverpool’s long-standing curiosity in Hugo Ekitike has resurfaced, however with a well-known caveat — funds. In accordance with Christian Falk’s replace in , Liverpool are amongst three Premier League golf equipment monitoring the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United.
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The Frenchman loved a standout 2024/25 marketing campaign in Germany, netting 22 targets and aiding 12 occasions in 48 matches. At 22, he matches Liverpool’s latest recruitment technique of concentrating 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 offered Darwin Nunez,” Falk reported, underlining how the Reds’ capacity to behave hinges on outgoing motion. Frankfurt’s €100 million valuation at the moment presents a non-starter for Liverpool until 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 suggestion as issues at the moment stand” from Liverpool.
Nunez Scenario 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 beneath Arne Slot transferring ahead.
Photograph: IMAGO
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Nunez managed simply 5 Premier League targets final season and completed with 40 targets and 22 assists from 143 whole video games since arriving in 2022. Whereas these uncooked numbers replicate a sure degree of contribution, his type and confidence fluctuated too usually for a facet chasing home and European titles.
A big 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 appears primed for one more shake-up.
Bundesliga Hyperlinks Run Deep
It’s no secret Arne Slot has seemed 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.
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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 immediately’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.
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The funding in Wirtz suggests Liverpool are getting ready for such a transition, shifting in the direction of extra technical, multifunctional forwards who thrive in fluid methods. Ekitike may very well be the subsequent piece — however provided that house, and price range, is made accessible.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report seems like one other step in the 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 selections, a clear break would possibly swimsuit each side.
The curiosity in Hugo Ekitike is smart. He’s younger, assured and contemporary off a prolific season in a aggressive league. The worth tag is hefty, but when Nunez departs for the same price, it’s a swap that would revitalise our ahead line.
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It’s additionally telling that Slot has prioritised Bundesliga expertise. Wirtz and Frimpong weren’t low-cost, and this factors to a supervisor prepared to reshape the facet in his imaginative and prescient rapidly. That ought to excite followers — particularly after a title-winning debut season.
However let’s be lifelike. 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.