Although the Colombian did very well, an out-and-out striker is still required, with the Reds linked with many options.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is a name that keeps cropping up and is a player Liverpool seem very keen on, especially as Alexander Isak, who is their top target, may seem unattainable this summer.

The German outfit are holding out for €100m (£85m) for their star player, a fee that seems astronomically high considering last season was only the second time he reached double digits for goals.

Liverpool told they're making pointless transfer in 'another disastrous piece of business'	Report: Aston Villa are now the most likely team to sign ‘fantastic’ Liverpool player	Liverpool's collapsed transfer that left £60m target baffled - 'They decided not to sign me'

However, still only 22, everyone in Germany raves about the Frenchman and Liverpool have already been told just how good he could become.

Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images

Back in the day, strikers were required to score goals and that was about it.

Fast forward to now, however, and they are asked to do a lot more.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Creating goals is now just as important as teams want multiple channels of success, and according to The Athletic’s German football correspondent, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Ekitike will be able to do just that.

“I still think this is a player evolving, a player developing, and he has a few holes in his game,” Stafford-Bloor said on The Athletic FC Podcast.

READ MORE: Gabby Agbonlahor already makes bold Liverpool vs Arsenal prediction for next season

“He is a player who is a composite of different parts of the role.

He’s a creator, a goalscorer, I wouldn’t say he’s perfect at either, but I don’t think you have to imagine too much of him when you watch him to see what kind of player he could become.

“[He has] wonderful technique, great speed, and is incredibly talented and young.”

£85m seems risky considering he is ‘one for the future’ although at 22, this could be where he starts to become more complete and clinical.

After signing defensive and midfield reinforcements, many see a striker as the final piece in Liverpool’s jigsaw.

Ekitike has been branded as a ‘special forward’ in the past and he would almost certainly be an upgrade on the options they have now.

2024/25 StatsHugo Ekitike Appearances48Goals22Assists12Stats from Transfermarkt and correct as of 19/06/25

However, if they are to bring the Frenchman to the club, they may have to act quickly as they face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

Both clubs have been in contact with the 22-year-old and see him as one of their top options, although nothing is advanced as of yet.

Liverpool fans may prefer the club go all-out for a player like Isak, but potentially stealing one of their rival’s top targets might just sway their opinion.


For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.