Darwin Núñez's days at Liverpool appear to be numbered. The Uruguayan cost the Reds £85 million from Benfica, but he has failed to live up to expectations. Liverpool looks likely to cut their losses on Núñez and sell him to Napoli for a much lower fee than they paid.
The Reds need to sign a new striker, especially with the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, who filled in as a striker when Núñez was not firing. Luis Díaz is another winger that Liverpool have who can also play as a center-forward. However, he could also be leaving Anfield this summer with Barcelona and Bayern Munich interested.
Liverpool has done well this summer, strengthening their Premier League title-winning side. They have signed Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Milos Kerkez has also joined Arne Slot's side from AFC Bournemouth.
Arsenal showed last season how difficult it is to compete at the top of the Premier League without a striker. Therefore, Liverpool must sign a new center-forward, but they will face competition for talented players.
The transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, posted on X: "Hugo Ekitike keeps attracting interest from Premier League with Newcastle keen on the striker. More Premier League clubs remain also informed on situation, after Liverpool and Chelsea calls in June. Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah called in recent weeks but his priority is Europe."
Would Newcastle or Liverpool be a better fit for Hugo Ekitike?
Newcastle United currently has Alexander Isak as their striker. He was one of the best forwards in the Premier League last season, where he scored 23 goals, with six assists in 34 games. He has also been linked with Liverpool, but is contracted to the Magpies until 2028. Eddie Howe's team qualifying for the Champions League last season has also made it easier for the club to keep Isak.
Ekitike would not want to sit on the bench behind Isak, so Newcastle will not be the best move for him right now. Chelsea should also now be out of the question as they have just added Liam Delap and Joao Pedro as striking options. Joining one of the Saudi Pro League clubs would be seen as unambitious for a player who could be playing at the highest level in Europe. Therefore, Liverpool would be Ekitike's ideal option.
Hugo Ekitike's career so far has been mixed
Ekitike started his career in France with hometown club Stade de Reims where he also had a loan spell at Vejle Boldklub in Denmark. He reportedly rejected a move to Newcastle when he was at Reims and eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain.
The forward's time with PSG did not go to plan as he scored just three goals, with four assists in 26 Ligue 1 games. He then joined his current club, Eintracht Frankfurt. In the Bundesliga last season, Ekitike found the back of the net 15 times and provided eight assists in 33 matches.
The 23-year-old has represented France at U20 and U21 level, but is yet to play for their senior side. However, if Ekitike can prove himself at a top European club, then a call up for Les Bleus is inevetiable.