Liverpool ‘Definitely’ Interested in £60m Forward Ahead of Potential Summer Move – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Striker Search: Reading Between the Lines on Hugo Ekitike Rumours

With Arne Slot on the brink of Premier League glory in his debut season at Liverpool, attention is already beginning to turn towards the summer transfer window. One name emerging from the rumour mill is Hugo Ekitike, the 21-year-old French striker currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, who could be signed in a deal worth around £60million.

David Lynch, speaking on Anfield Index with Dave Davis, added credibility to the whispers surrounding Ekitike and Liverpool, stating, “There’s definitely something in it. His representatives are definitely driving this, but Liverpool will be interested in a player of his quality and profile.”

This interest, while intriguing, feels layered. It’s not a case of Liverpool making formal moves just yet. As Lynch cautiously added, “He absolutely is on the radar this summer, there’s no question about that.” Yet, this radar is crowded — and Ekitike’s camp seem eager to amplify the signal.

Agent-Led Noise or Genuine Interest?

In classic Liverpool fashion under Michael Edwards and now Richard Hughes, big moves are rarely telegraphed. The club operates in silence until signatures are inked. This makes the noise around Ekitike feel slightly off-brand.

“My only thing about the agents, is that when they’re pushing it this hard it is often because Liverpool aren’t pushing too hard and they’re trying to drum up interest from other clubs,” Lynch explained, capturing a common pattern in transfer speculation.

And he’s right. When Liverpool truly want a player, we usually hear about it after the deal is practically done. Think Gakpo. Think Mac Allister. So when representatives start pushing narratives into the public domain, it can often suggest the opposite — that Liverpool might not be at the front of the queue.

As Lynch put it, “Liverpool like to do their business quietly and keep it under wraps, and that’s not what is happening with Ekitike.”

Photo: IMAGO

Does Ekitike Fit Slot’s System?

Still, let’s not dismiss the footballing logic. Slot’s system will require dynamic forward options, especially with question marks around the futures of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez. Ekitike, with his tall frame, quick feet and eye for goal, does offer something slightly different.

His season hasn’t been outstanding statistically, but Liverpool have long valued potential over polished output. Think Diogo Jota from Wolves, or even a younger Luis Díaz. There’s development in Ekitike — and that’s what Slot could mould.

Lynch gave an important caveat: “Liverpool have definitely looked at him, but we will have to wait until the summer to really see if they want to pursue it.” This suggests due diligence is being done, but a concrete move is far from guaranteed.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Patience or Summer Smoke?

Liverpool’s success in recent years hasn’t been just about signing the right players, but doing it at the right time and under the radar. The Ekitike rumours, while exciting for fans eager for a glimpse into the club’s future, should be treated with a healthy dose of scepticism.

Arne Slot, assuming he seals the Premier League crown as expected, will likely be given the tools to evolve this squad. Whether Ekitike is one of them remains to be seen.

What’s clear, however, is that Liverpool are entering a new era — one with a more continental approach, a younger manager, and likely, younger signings. Ekitike may or may not be the answer. But the question being asked — about what Liverpool need next — is the right one.