Forget Darwin Nunez – Liverpool Can Sign Their Perfect Striker If They Can Beat Chelsea to £84m-rated Gem
Liverpool are currently in the market for a new centre-forward following reports that Darwin Nunez could leave the club.
The Reds appear to have made a fast start to their summer transfer activity as they prepare for what promises to be a hectic window. It has been reported that discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, and the newly-crowned Premier League champions are on the verge of finalising their first signing of the year.
Jeremie Frimpong is set to join Liverpool in the coming days. According to the latest updates on the situation, an agreement is close between all parties, with the player expected to cost the Merseyside club approximately £29.5 million.
Many supporters and pundits have described this fee as a very reasonable amount for a player who could step in as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement. However, Liverpool are not restricting their recruitment to defensive reinforcements alone. Plans are also being made to strengthen the attack, with moves in place to sign Florian Wirtz as well as a new centre-forward.
Liverpool Linked With Several New Striker Targets
Liverpool have been searching for a new No.9 for quite some time, and several names have appeared on their shortlist. From Alexander Isak to Viktor Gyokeres, the Reds have had no shortage of options to consider. Among the more recent names linked to the club is Hugo Ekitike, who could provide exactly the qualities Liverpool need at Anfield.
David Ornstein has reported that Alexander Isak is set to stay at Newcastle United, prompting journalist Sacha Tavolieri to reveal on social media that Liverpool’s focus has now turned to Ekitike.
This comes amid other reports about the French striker’s future, despite the fact that he only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. Liverpool are not the only side showing interest, with Chelsea also competing for his signature. Ekitike has an asking price of around €100 million (£84m).
After finishing fourth in the Premier League this season, Chelsea will be determined to strengthen their squad and are known for spending heavily to get the players they want.
They have already beaten Liverpool to transfer targets in the past, including Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia two years ago. If Liverpool hope to secure Ekitike’s services, they will need to make a more convincing offer than their league rivals.
Would Hugo Ekitike Be a Good Signing for Liverpool?
Liverpool have managed to perform well for years without a traditional No.9, but they have become heavily reliant on Mohamed Salah. Many believe the Reds are now too dependent on the Egyptian star.
Salah claimed the Premier League Golden Boot for the fourth time this season, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists. He has never finished a season at Liverpool without being the team’s leading goalscorer.
Salah’s contributions have been outstanding once again, finishing the season with 34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions. His influence on the team is undeniable, but the reality is that Liverpool cannot depend on him forever. While his output remains exceptional for now, the club will eventually need to adapt to life without Salah’s presence in the squad.
The club had hoped Darwin Nunez would fill the void up front, but his inconsistency has raised questions over his future. The Uruguayan striker is now expected to leave Liverpool this summer, with interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia as well as Atletico Madrid.
Replacing Salah will be one of the toughest tasks Liverpool have faced, as highlighted during the discussions over his new contract. For this reason, the Reds would benefit from signing a prolific centre-forward who can help offset the inevitable drop in goals when Salah eventually departs. It’s highly unlikely that Arne Slot and his team will find a winger capable of matching Salah’s output in the future.
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