Outscored Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool Hold Talks for “Mønster” CF Who’d Be Suarez 2.0

Liverpool are behaving like a club determined not only to defend their Premier League title next season but also to mount a serious challenge in both the Champions League and domestic competitions.

Last summer, they appeared to be teetering on the edge of decline, yet chose to remain composed amid the chaotic transfer window, quietly watching as their rivals rushed to build squads worthy of contending for major honours.

Following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, having narrowly missed out on the 2023/24 league title, the Reds were largely overlooked. Many assumed they would spend the new campaign merely trying to cling to their re-earned place among Europe’s elite.

However, Klopp ensured Anfield knew the name Arne Slot before he exited, and almost a year later, the Dutchman repaid that trust by securing the Premier League title for Liverpool.

Liverpool may have gone under the radar in the previous transfer window and were not widely seen as serious contenders, but the landscape has shifted. Now, the Merseyside club are working to solidify their position at the top, even as many anticipate their downfall.

Despite the buzz around the club, FSG are yet to make a move for a new striker—something they urgently need to address.

With Darwin Nunez expected to depart this summer, Liverpool have long been tipped to bring in a new number nine.

Unfortunately, that forward won’t be Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, there’s “no chance” of the Swede leaving St. James’ Park after securing Champions League qualification, with PIF likely to demand upwards of £150 million for their prized asset.

With Isak now seemingly out of reach, Liverpool have turned their focus to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike in recent weeks. However, the 22-year-old Frenchman currently appears to favour a switch to Chelsea.

Ekitike offers a dynamic and multifaceted playing style, but questions remain over whether he is far enough along in his development to justify Frankfurt’s £84 million valuation.

While Ekitike is certainly a talent, it remains unclear whether Liverpool would be getting full value for their investment. A move for one of Europe’s more established goal scorers might be a safer bet to provide Slot with the firepower he requires.

Liverpool Open Talks for New Striker

Although money is often said to be persuasive, Saudi Arabia’s immense wealth seems to have had little influence on Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker has turned down an eye-watering £25 million-a-year offer from Al-Hilal, opting instead to stay in Europe.

With a €75 million (£63 million) release clause in his contract, transfer expert Graeme Bailey believes that talks held with Liverpool officials last month may have influenced the Nigerian forward’s choice, as a move to the Premier League remains his preferred option.

Earlier reports have linked the 26-year-old with a potential switch to Liverpool for some time, and with alternative targets appearing financially out of reach, the club might look to step up their pursuit in the near future.

Why Liverpool Want Victor Osimhen

It’s been quite some time since Liverpool consistently had a dependable and dominant centre-forward, someone capable of matching the very best in world football.

While Roberto Firmino was undoubtedly a world-class talent, his strengths lay outside of traditional goalscoring. Daniel Sturridge, when fully fit, could rival top strikers, but keeping him healthy and match-ready was a constant struggle.

What Liverpool truly require is a modern-day Luis Suarez — a player of the Uruguayan’s calibre who once dazzled the Premier League during his electrifying spell at Anfield. Steven Gerrard, no less, described Suarez as the finest player he ever shared the pitch with.

In Victor Osimhen, new manager Arne Slot might just discover that calibre of forward. The prolific Napoli striker spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, where he lit up the campaign with 37 goals in 41 appearances, also helping the club to silverware. For comparison, Alexander Isak scored 27 goals in all competitions in 2024/25, while Hugo Ekitike found the net 22 times for Frankfurt.

Although Osimhen’s departure from Napoli may not have been on the best of terms, this could work in Liverpool’s favour, potentially smoothing negotiations for a switch to Anfield.

Described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Osimhen was the standout performer during Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto-winning season. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and explosive finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.

A talent scout once praised Osimhen for having some of the most effective pressing in football. Earning £83,000 a week, he wouldn’t merely serve as a static striker under Slot’s system, but would play a far more dynamic and engaging role.

Indeed, according to FBref, he was among the top 4% of strikers in major leagues last season for shot-creating actions, top 18% for progressive carries, and top 16% for ball recoveries per 90 minutes. These stats highlight his relentless work rate, pressing ability, and creative threat.

It mirrors the approach taken by Suarez in his prime — a fierce hunger for the ball that made him a devastating force across numerous European clubs throughout his career.

Luis Suarez – Career Stats by Club (Europe)
Club	Apps	Goals	Assists
Barcelona	283	195	113
Ajax	159	111	68
Liverpool	133	82	31
Atletico Madrid	83	34	6
Groningen	37	15	10
Data Source: Transfermarkt

Barcelona had once considered Osimhen as Luis Suarez’s successor back in 2019, but their growing financial troubles steered them away from the deal. Instead, they chose to sign Antoine Griezmann for £107 million — a move that, in hindsight, didn’t turn out as planned for La Blaugrana.

At his essence, Osimhen is a natural goalscorer, but his game goes far beyond just finding the net. With his technical ability, fluid movement, and sharp footballing mind, he has the potential to become every bit as complete a striker as Suarez was during his time at Anfield.

Is there a degree of risk in signing a forward who’s occasionally been surrounded by controversy? Perhaps. But Suarez also came with a fiery edge — and that didn’t stop him from thriving in English football.

In other news, Mohamed Salah Could Take on New Liverpool Role Following Controversial Transfer Decision