With Liverpool having reportedly narrowed down their search for a new centre-forward to three candidates, one of those has now emerged as the ‘best fit’ for Arne Slot’s side
Ekitike Tops Liverpool’s Summer Striker Wishlist — Isak and Osimhen Now Plan B
Liverpool’s striker search is heating up — and it looks like Hugo Ekitike is emerging as the front-runner.
Earlier this week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Anfield’s recruitment team have narrowed their shortlist down to three: Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Victor Osimhen. After thorough internal checks on each of the trio, it’s now clear who’s taken the lead.
According to sources close to Empire of the Kop, Arne Slot wants a striker who’s fast, presses well, links up play — and is ready to buy into the new era at Anfield. Among the three names, Ekitike fits the bill best.
The 23-year-old impressed last season at Eintracht Frankfurt, and while the Bundesliga side are demanding between €85m and €100m (£73m–£85.9m), Liverpool are in no rush. Ekitike is said to be willing to wait as the Reds work through their summer outgoings to raise funds.
Isak and Osimhen Deals Less Likely
It’s understood that Alexander Isak was initially viewed as Liverpool’s Plan A — and with good reason. The Newcastle striker has lit up the Premier League. But with the Magpies unwilling to consider anything less than £150m, a deal looks all but impossible this summer.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen remains on Liverpool’s radar, and a more creative proposal has been explored. The Reds are reported to have offered Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa, and £17m in a part-exchange deal to Napoli. The Serie A side are now weighing up that package — although they may yet ask for more cash.
Why Ekitike Makes Sense
Liverpool’s transfer strategy under FSG has never been about making the flashiest signing — it’s about finding the right one. That’s how players like Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and even Wirtz were brought in. Ekitike seems to follow that same blueprint.
Statistically, he fits what Slot is looking for. Last season, Ekitike outperformed Isak in several key areas, according to FBref:
• Shot-creating actions per 90: 3.55 vs 3.01
• Tackles + interceptions: 23 vs 15
• Touches in midfield third: 430 vs 386
• Ball recoveries: 87 vs 55
In short, Ekitike isn’t just a goalscorer — he’s a hardworking, well-rounded forward who presses and connects play.
And considering that signing him outright for £75m–£80m may be simpler and cleaner than a three-way swap for Osimhen, it could be the most efficient — and smartest — path forward.
With Slot building something new at Anfield and Richard Hughes driving the recruitment process, fans can take comfort knowing Liverpool are moving with purpose. If Ekitike is the man they’ve chosen, he might just be the next big thing to light up the Kop.