As the summer transfer window unfolds, Liverpool, fresh off another successful Premier League campaign, are actively shaping their squad under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot. While various areas are being assessed, attention is increasingly focused on the attacking front, particularly amid speculation surrounding the future of Darwin Nunez.
Reports indicate that Nunez is the subject of discussions with Napoli, following an initial bid rejection. Should the Uruguayan forward depart, the need for a new, reliable presence at the spearhead of Liverpool`s attack becomes paramount for Sporting Director Richard Hughes and the recruitment team.
Enter Hugo Ekitike. The young French striker, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, has emerged as a prominent target for the Anfield hierarchy. Interest in the 23-year-old is reportedly intensifying, fueled directly by the potential vacancy Nunez`s sale would create.
However, securing Ekitike`s services presents a significant challenge: Frankfurt`s valuation. The German club is reportedly holding firm on a price tag around €100 million (£85 million). In a market where Liverpool aims for strategic acquisitions rather than extravagant spending sprees, this figure represents a substantial investment, a clear “sticking point” in any potential negotiation.
Why Hugo Ekitike Appeals to Liverpool
Ekitike`s career trajectory offers an interesting narrative. He made a significant move to Paris Saint-Germain from Reims in 2022 but found consistent form elusive, scoring just four goals across 33 appearances. It wasn`t the immediate explosion onto the scene some might have expected at the French capital.
His subsequent move to Eintracht Frankfurt, however, appears to have revitalised his career. During the recent 2024/25 season, Ekitike demonstrated why he is highly regarded within scouting circles. Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “one of the best strikers out there,” while journalist Bence Bocsak lauded him as a “special talent.” His output reflects this potential, with a notable 36 goal involvements across all competitions for Frankfurt last term.
Beyond raw numbers, Ekitike`s profile suggests a player well-suited to a dynamic, high-intensity system like Liverpool`s under Arne Slot. Statistical analysis from FBref places him in elite company among strikers in Europe`s top five leagues for key attacking and transitional metrics. He ranks remarkably high for shot-creating actions (top 6%), demonstrating his ability to influence attacking plays and create opportunities for himself and teammates.
His progressive carries (top 4%) and successful take-ons (top 4%) highlight his capacity to drive the ball forward and beat defenders, adding a direct threat that can disrupt opposition defences. Furthermore, his ranking in ball recoveries per 90 (top 20%) indicates a willingness and ability to contribute defensively from the front – a trait highly valued in modern football and certainly by managers like Arne Slot who favour pressing systems. (A ball recovery is defined as regaining possession of a loose ball.)
Slot`s Next Developmental Project?
This blend of attacking creativity, ball-carrying ability, and defensive contribution paints a picture of a forward who offers more than just goals; he contributes significantly to build-up and transition phases. He appears more rounded, arguably more “complete” in his overall game, than Ryan Gravenberch was when the midfielder first arrived at Liverpool from Bayern Munich in August 2023.
This comparison to Gravenberch is particularly pertinent given Arne Slot`s reputation. Slot has a proven track record of identifying and developing promising Dutch talents into key players, with Gravenberch himself enjoying a meteoric rise last season under Slot`s guidance, culminating in the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. Similarly, Cody Gakpo has also thrived under Slot`s influence.
Ekitike, therefore, could be viewed as the next exciting project Slot aims to mould. His age, profile, and demonstrated potential align with Liverpool`s recent transfer strategy focusing on players with high ceilings who can be developed within the club`s system.
While competition from other Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United exists for Ekitike`s signature, Liverpool`s specific need for a long-term striking solution, coupled with Slot`s developmental philosophy and the potential funds from a Nunez sale, positions Ekitike as a prime candidate. The challenge now lies in navigating Frankfurt`s high valuation to turn this growing interest into a concrete agreement before the summer transfer window concludes.
