Reds move fast for top striker
Liverpool is intensifying its efforts to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after being firmly rejected by Newcastle United in their pursuit of Alexander Isak. According to sources close to the club, the Reds have now placed Ekitike at the top of their summer transfer wishlist and are preparing a substantial bid to bring the French forward to Anfield.
Newcastle reportedly slapped a staggering £150 million ($201 million) price tag on Sweden international Isak, effectively ending any hope Liverpool had of securing his signature. With the Magpies unwilling to enter negotiations, Liverpool has wasted no time pivoting towards a more attainable yet highly talented alternative in Ekitike.
The Merseyside giants are believed to be preparing an offer in excess of £70 million ($94 million) to land the 23-year-old striker, who has attracted interest from other top clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle. However, Liverpool are optimistic about winning the race, as Ekitike is said to be keen on a move to Anfield and the opportunity to play under new head coach Arne Slot.
Ekitike enjoyed a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored 22 goals across all competitions after his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. His pace, clinical finishing, and versatility in the final third have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards.
Liverpool’s urgency to secure a forward has intensified following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, who was recently killed in a car accident while vacationing in Spain. The Portuguese international was a key part of the Reds’ attacking lineup, and his loss has left a major void that the club is desperate to fill ahead of the new season.
In addition to pursuing Ekitike, Liverpool is reportedly open to reshaping their frontline further. Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez may be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in, while Colombian winger Luis Diaz has already attracted serious interest from Bayern Munich. The German champions submitted a bid that was promptly rejected, but further negotiations have not been ruled out.
This aggressive approach in the transfer market is part of a larger rebuilding effort under new manager Arne Slot. Liverpool has already spent £116 million on German midfield maestro Florian Wirtz, a deal that underlines the club’s commitment to restoring its dominance both domestically and in Europe.
Defensively, the Reds have also bolstered their squad by signing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, both expected to inject fresh energy and depth into the backline. In goal, Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili has completed his move from Valencia, providing Liverpool with a reliable backup—and potential future replacement—for first-choice keeper Alisson Becker.
With several weeks remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool shows no signs of slowing down. The club’s recruitment team is working tirelessly to finalize key deals and ensure that Slot has a squad capable of challenging for major trophies in the upcoming campaign.
As anticipation builds among the Anfield faithful, all eyes will be on whether Hugo Ekitike becomes the next marquee signing to walk through the doors at Melwood.
Reds move fast for top striker
