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.
Earlier this week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claimed (via X) that Anfield chiefs are focusing their efforts on procuring one of Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak or Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window, with ‘thorough checks’ carried out on each of those players.
From that shortlisted trio, a clear favourite has seemingly been identified, with the other two being classified as ‘Plan B’.
Ekitike considered to be the best fit for Liverpool
According to sources close to Empire of the Kop, Arne Slot is looking for a centre-forward with pace who can also press and is adept at link-up play.
Ekitike has been identified as the best fit for that profile, and while Liverpool would need to sell players first before they can commit to Eintracht Frankfurt’s asking price of between €85m and €100m (£73m-£85.9m), the 23-year-old is prepared to be patient.
Isak had initially been regarded as Plan A for Liverpool, but there’s a realisation that it’d be extremely difficult to sign him his summer, with Newcastle not planning to consider any offers of less than £150m for the Swede.
Meanwhile, the Reds have explored the possibility of an exchange deal for Osimhen, having offered Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa and a £17m swap package to Napoli for the Nigerian. That proposal is currently being evaluated by the Serie A champions, with negotiations continuing on additional cash demands.
Why would Ekitike seem to be the ideal option for Liverpool?
One recurring theme throughout Liverpool’s incoming transfer business in recent years is that, rather than simply going for the low-hanging fruit, FSG have leaned towards signing players who’ve been objectively identified as the best fit for either Jurgen Klopp or Slot.
That could duly see them eschew a megabucks move for Isak by instead pursuing the seemingly more attainable Ekitike, particularly if he’s considered to be the most compatible of the shortlisted trio for the current Reds side.
There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that the Frenchman would be the ideal option for Slot’s desired template of a centre-forward who’ll also put in the hard yards out of possession.
As per FBref, he ranked above Isak last season for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (3.55 to 3.01), made more tackles and interceptions (23 to 15), had more touches in the midfield third (430 to 386) and recorded more ball recoveries (87 to 55).
In our view, an outright deal for Ekitike in the £75m-£80m bracket would be far preferable to trading Nunez and Chiesa (plus £17m) for Osimhen. As ever, though, we have full faith in Richard Hughes to make the decision which’d be best for Liverpool.
Victor Osimhen is already proven. He scored plenty goals in France, in Italy and now Turkey. There’s no gainsaying that he would score lots of goals in England as well and win titles as usual. Ekitike, though Liverpool maybe wooed by his younger age, has not yet tested the waters. He’s an upcoming talent that may not yet be strong for the EPL . If we want to hit our club’s target in no distant time, presenting Nunez, Chiesa plus £17m fee for Osimhen is far better than buying Ekitike for £80m. Think about selling both Nunez and Chiesa combined. We can’t probably get more than £50m. Again, keeping them in the team is nonsensical because they will just be earning salary without playing.
Please go for Victor Osimhen – tested and trusted!!
What about the challenge of letting Victor and Salah leave for the AFCON at the same time?? Did you consider that? Is Osimhen willing to join Liverpool?? We don’t want a player who doesn’t want us.
100% agree with these comments – the asking price for Ekitike £85m is ridiculous/even £70m is overpricing him…stick to negotiating a deal that is fair to both clubs when thinking f offering Nunez and Chiesa (if sold separately they would return a minimum of £75m…£60 & £15 m…so of you price Osimhen at £70/75 m a straight swap is fair…If Napoli think they have the bargaining power (they don’t) just buy Osimhen for £70/75 and sell Nunez/Chiesa separately! YNWA
Point of correction sir: you cannot get £60m from Nunez except from Saudi Pro League. In Europe, no club will pay more than £40m. He never proved his mettle at Liverpool since he joined. Hence adding some cash to get Osimhen can be justified.
I PREFER EKITIKE TO LIVERPOOL
Isak has never been a good fit at LFC, doesn’t work hard off the ball and doesn’t add to the play beyond poaching. Osimhen is a ‘bridesmaid’ never the bride i.e. many clubs have looked at him and walked away (like Amorim).. must be a reason. Ekitike has always looked the best fit and, without seeing him in person, the video evidence looks compelling.. Very happy is LFC land him
Frankly quibbling about the odd £10m on Nunez et al (as obscene as it is) shouldn’t stop a deal being done. Assuming it works out it pays for itself..
It’s a good deal if we go for Osimhen and I prefer Osimhen to Isak and Ekitike. If Osimhen comes to Liverpool he’s going to be a goal poacher with the help of Salah, Wirtz, Szobo and Mac Allister. Liverpool, please go for Osimhen.
I rather prefer Isak among the trio, simply because everyone around the world knows what Alexander Isak is capable of doing interms of his goals scoring record for Newcastle last season. we all saw him net again each of the big teams in England and apart from that he is among the top goals scorers in the English premiere league last season so for me I think Liverpool should go and sign him, if they want to dominate all the teams across Europe and the world at large.
I don’t think Victor wants Man United, hence the reason for the delay..Liverpool would be unstoppable with Osimhen
Victor best choice
Go for Victor or Hugo
Isak’s fee is outrageous especially having signed Wirtz in a British transfer record fee. Again, given the death of Jota, we may need to plan for two forwards now if both Chiesa and Darwin are sold. Ipso facto, two good forwards at reduced fees maybe the ultimate decision.
May Jota’s soul continue to rest in peace. #YNWA#
May Jota’s Soul continue to rest in peace till resurrection morning by His grace. The 3 of the above mention players are good. But, where Liverpool is right now as defending champions, we need the likes of Isak or Victor Osimehin. These are proven strikers.