Fabrizio Romano: £84m striker is a ‘concrete target’ for Liverpool this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Ekitike as Nunez Exit Looms

The summer transfer window is already stirring intrigue, and at Anfield, the spotlight has turned sharply towards Hugo Ekitike. With Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool future increasingly uncertain, fresh claims from Fabrizio Romano suggest that the club have positioned themselves firmly in the race for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker. As Romano shared via his YouTube channel, the Reds are maintaining close contact with Ekitike’s representatives, reinforcing a sense of growing inevitability around a changing of the guard in attack.

Concrete Interest Amid Nunez Uncertainty

Romano’s words were revealing: “With Darwin leaving, Ekitike is a concrete target for Liverpool. Liverpool already spoke to the agents of the player at the end of May. Liverpool are in regular contact with people close to Hugo Ekitike, so for sure Ekitike remains a player on Liverpool’s list. I know there are rumours on several clubs for this kind of striker, but don’t forget Liverpool, because they are still there.”

It’s a candid signal that FSG are actively preparing for life beyond Nunez. While Stan Collymore has publicly urged the club to retain the Uruguayan, plans appear to be accelerating behind the scenes. Florian Plettenberg’s separate report that Manchester United and Chelsea are also circling Ekitike only adds urgency.

Ekitike Seen as Affordable Alternative to Isak

There’s a sense of realism in Liverpool’s thinking here. As Lewis Steele pointed out, Ekitike may not have the same ceiling as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but he offers value and flexibility. That matters in a summer where the Reds have already committed a reported £116 million to sign Florian Wirtz. A marquee deal for a striker of Isak’s profile might be beyond reach, but Ekitike appears to tick the boxes—young, hungry and available at a fraction of the cost.

Injury Records Prompt Forward Planning

If Nunez departs, Liverpool would be taking a risk by not immediately securing another striker. Diogo Jota remains a fine option on his day, but history shows he struggles to stay fit for an entire season. With that in mind, it makes sense that Liverpool are keeping Ekitike close. Romano confirmed: “Liverpool are in regular contact with people close to Hugo Ekitike.”

What makes Ekitike’s situation more tantalising is that he’s yet to declare a preference. Manchester United may have recently reached out to his agents, but Liverpool’s groundwork could pay dividends if they act swiftly.

FSG Looking to Strike Early

“Fingers crossed that Liverpool won’t relent in their pursuit of the 22-year-old,” the original report concluded. If Nunez moves on, Arne Slot’s first major signing could be a rising French forward with plenty to prove and the tools to deliver.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s something thrilling about being linked to a player before the rest of Europe catches on properly. Ekitike might not be the most glamorous name, but he feels like a smart option—affordable, young and versatile. If we’re losing Nunez, who remains an enigma, then someone with upside and tactical flexibility makes sense under Arne Slot.

Let’s be honest, we can’t go into another season hoping Jota stays fit or Salah gets shifted centrally. And with United and Chelsea sniffing around, we need to act fast. The groundwork is there. Romano saying, “Liverpool are still there,” should be music to our ears.

Spending £116 million on Wirtz shows FSG aren’t shy about backing Slot, but this one could be a proper bargain. It’s about profile and potential now, not just price. If Ekitike wants to play, grow and win, there’s no better place than Anfield.

Let’s get it done.