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Liverpool-linked Hugo Ekitike could have a clear run at his dream shirt number should Darwin Nunez leave.(Image: Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Liverpool have been linked with a big-money move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike and the France under-21 international could receive his dream number should the Reds sell Darwin Nunez.

Arne Slot and the Anfield hierarchy are already working on bolstering the squad with talks ongoing to sign Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, as well as holding an interest in Milos Kerkez.

Reports in Germany have named Liverpool as one of the clubs interested in the latest breakout starlet from the Bundesliga, after Ekitike netted 15 times firing Frankfurt to Champions League qualification.



However some outlets, namely Sky Germany and BILD, have suggested that the Reds are in competition with Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are looking to land a deal.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claimed that Liverpool are 'seriously' interested in Ekitike before following up with Chelsea are in concrete talks with the Frenchman and are looking to get a deal over the line, as they are aware of the Reds' interest.

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Both the outlet and the Daily Mail reported that Liverpool's interest hinges on the futures of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.

Specifically, the Mail have reported that Liverpool will turn their attention to signing a forward player after Wirtz's deal is completed.

But in order to target a number nine, the report claims that they will look to sell Nunez in order to raise funds.

Should the deal for Nunez open the door to sign Ekitike, it may allow the forward to immediately obtain the number nine shirt, one he held previously at Paris Saint-Germain, Stade de Reims as well as the France under-20s and under-21s.

Nunez has been repeatedly linked with an exit from Anfield, which have increased since he found his starting opportunities limited under Slot.

A host of Saudi Pro League clubs have been circling and monitoring the Uruguayan's situation, enquiring about the possibility of his signature during the winter transfer window.

Although they were given little encouragement at the time, the ECHO reported at the beginning of May that the club are likely to be more receptive during the forthcoming transfer window.

Al-Hilal, who lost out on domestic success to former Liverpool striker Fabinho and Al-Ittihad, are believed to be readying an effort to sign him when the window opens on June 1, in order to sign him in time for their Club World Cup campaign.

This Liverpool ECHO special edition looks back at a remarkable season, but is packed full of images from both the trophy lift at Anfield and the parade through the streets of the city.

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Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for Nunez and a price-tag as low as £38million quoted.

The 22-year-old currently has the number 11 shirt at Eintracht Frankfurt and in any event of a Liverpool move, he would be denied the chance to take the squad number with record-breaking forward Mohamed Salah occupying it - as he has done since 2017.

He has previously held the number 15 shirt, during his time at Stade Reims, which has been vacant at Anfield since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's departure in 2023.

The number 14 has also been a shirt number he has occupied and it may become available in the summer, should Federico Chiesa leave the club.

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Ekitike also had the shirt numbers 33 and 34 during his formative years with Reims, as well as 23 during a loan spell in Denmark with Vejle Boldklub.

In two of his four seasons at PSG, he held the 44 shirt which was most recently occupied by defender Luke Chambers.


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