Liverpool to repeat Hugo Ekitike trick in deal for Luis Suarez 2.0 | OneFootball

Liverpool will require forwards in the upcoming transfer window.

Alexander Isak was the big-money arrival last summer - coming on board from Newcastle for £125m. Hugo Ekitike also signed for the Premier League champions - with Richard Hughes paying £69m to Eintracht Frankfurt for the Frenchman’s services.

Newcastle were left frustrated by the Ekitike deal as they thought they had secured a conversation at least with the former Paris Saint-Germain player before he opted for Anfield.

But Isak has endured a severely injury-hit campaign - including a broken leg. And he will be the only senior, fit option available to Arne Slot by the time next season rolls around.

Ekitike, 23, is out for up to a year due to a ruptured achilles - leaving the Merseysiders well short of cover and competition for 2026/27.

Accordingly it’s been suggested that the Anfield club will move for a new frontman in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool want Luis Suarez 2.0

Luis Suarez, 28, is among the names under consideration by Hughes and Liverpool’s recruitment team according to a new report in Sports Boom.

The Colombian has enjoyed a breakout campaign with Sporting CP - who may well take the opportunity to cash in on their biggest asset during the off-season.

Liverpool will need to push hard to get in front of Newcastle for Suarez - although they have done that once before in the case of Ekitike.

Given the Geordies’ impending lack of European football it would be no surprise if the goal-getter swerved St. James’ Park in favour of a top club instead.

Although Newcastle are described as frontrunners Liverpool as well as Barcelona are both thought to be in the shakeup should a deal become available.

“The English side has started official negotiations with Sporting CP,” the report states of Newcastle’s interest.

“Premier League giant Liverpool and Spanish representative Barcelona are keeping Suárez under "close monitoring." Both clubs are analysing the player’s statistics and match performances in detail.

“However, it is stated that at this stage, both giants have not made a final decision and are following a "wait-and-see" policy.”

€50m to €60m for Suarez deal

Sporting won’t be in the mood for discounts with the former Almeria striker expected to go for a €50m to €60m fee.

“Sporting CP is expected to open the door at the 50-60 million Euro range for Suárez,” the report reads.

“Although it is claimed that the release clause in the player’s contract is close to this figure, it is expressed that the club will not compromise on cash payments or high guaranteed fees.

“It is stated that the 28-year-old player wants to secure the signature contract of his career and expects a salary package around 7-9 million Euros annually,” the report reads.

Luis Suarez: Situation summary

Luis Suárez has exploded at Sporting CP as a high-output, prime-age No 9, quickly turning into one of the most coveted centre-forwards in Europe.

The 28-year-old Colombian is a 1.85m right-footed striker who arrived from Almería in summer 2025 after a 31-goal, eight-assist campaign in Spain, and has since delivered well over 30 goals and a stack of assists in his debut season in Lisbon.

He profiles as a powerful, agile, penalty-box forward: explosive over short distances, aggressive attacking the box, strong in duels and dangerous both running in behind and attacking crosses, while also contributing with pressing and work-rate out of possession.

Contract-wise, Suárez is tied to Sporting until 2030, giving the club major leverage and making him a hard sell in negotiations.

Newcastle United have already made an offer and are seen as frontrunners, but Liverpool and Barcelona are among the elite clubs closely monitoring him ahead of a likely big-money move in the €60–80m bracket if someone blinks this summer.