Arne Slot has identified a new ‘priority’ striker target for Liverpool as it looks like the Reds have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Alexander Isak after “challenging negotiations” with Newcastle United.
The Reds’ attention has turned to a new No.9 with Darwin Nunez looking set for the Anfield exit if the club can agree a fee with Napoli or an alternative suitor for the Uruguayan.
Following a title-winning campaign last season, the Reds are focused on evolving their attack with a striker who fits Slot’s philosophy.
After extensive scouting and internal analysis, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as the priority target.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently revealed that Liverpool were weighing up three main options to bolster their attack – Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Newcastle’s Isak.
Plettenberg wrote on X:
‘Liverpool are currently focusing on three concrete options in their search for a new number 9: Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Victor Osimhen.
‘LFC have conducted thorough checks and gathered information on all of them. Ekitike, for example, is very high on the list. The French striker knows that if he moves to Liverpool, he will need to be patient because the club must sell players first.’
Liverpool has explored a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, tabling a creative swap deal that includes Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, and £17 million in cash to tempt the Serie A side into negotiations.
While Napoli are considering the proposal, the Italian club has indicated they may seek additional cash to finalise any agreement.
Slot is looking for a striker who is not only impressive with his goal-scoring ability but also with his high pressing as well as his link-up play.
Recall, Softfootball had previously reported that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, died in car crash.
The attacker who just got married about two weeks ago, was involved in a car accident with his brother in the province of Zamora, Spain.
According to local reports, their car slid off the road and caught fire instantly. His brother, Andre Silva, who is also a footballer, is confirmed dead as well.
