Liverpool have been told by Fabrizio Romano why their chances of signing Alexander Isak look bleak – but it’s not all bad news for the Reds after the reporter confirmed talks have been held with the agents of a 50-goal alternative
🔴 Liverpool Transfer Drive: Ekitike Gains Momentum As Isak Fades
Arne Slot’s first full summer in charge at Anfield is shaping up to be one of Liverpool’s boldest windows in years.
✅ Jeremie Frimpong in early
✅ Florian Wirtz breaks the British transfer record (£116m)
✅ Milos Kerkez locked in (with Richard Hughes working his magic on a fee reduction)
Liverpool’s spending is already approaching £190m, but this window is far from over. The Reds still have major business to do — especially in attack — as Arne Slot looks to reshape his title-winning squad for back-to-back challenges.
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Isak Hopes Fade — Reality Bites
For weeks, Alexander Isak has been the dream target.
The Swedish star fits everything Liverpool want:
Elite goalscorer
Premier League proven
Entering his prime
But Newcastle aren’t playing ball. The Magpies’ jaw-dropping £150m–£200m valuation has effectively shut down any realistic hope of getting Isak this summer.
> As Fabrizio Romano put it:
“Liverpool would try to go for Isak, but at the moment I don’t have this feeling. It’s a very, very difficult deal.”
Anfield insiders have long known this — while the interest was genuine, Newcastle’s position has made serious negotiations almost impossible.
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Enter Hugo Ekitike — Liverpool’s Realistic No.9 Option
While Isak fades, Hugo Ekitike is quickly emerging as Liverpool’s most viable striker target.
Romano confirmed:
> “A name I can mention for Liverpool is still Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt. Liverpool spoke to the agents. He is absolutely on their shortlist.”
At just 22 years old, Ekitike checks plenty of Liverpool’s boxes:
🔥 22 goals in 48 games last season for Frankfurt
🔥 Technically gifted, explosive in transition
🔥 Huge growth potential under Slot’s system
Price tag? Frankfurt want €100m (£85m). Expensive — but still significantly cheaper than Isak’s monster fee.
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man United have all shown interest, but Liverpool are viewed as being in a strong financial position to strike — especially as Darwin Núñez’s exit edges closer.
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Darwin Núñez & Quansah Sales Opening Doors
The outgoings are where Liverpool’s transfer plan is really taking shape:
Darwin Núñez → Saudi Arabia or mainland Europe (talks advancing)
Jarell Quansah → Bayer Leverkusen (£34m fee discussed)
Luis Díaz → Still some uncertainty; PSG and Barcelona lurking
The sale of Darwin alone could fund a massive chunk of the Ekitike deal. Unlike some of their rivals, Liverpool won’t need to delay moves while they sell — FSG’s structured plan gives them flexibility.
> As Christian Falk summed up:
“True: The race is completely open again for Hugo Ekitike. In addition to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are still interested