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Nunez is anticipated to depart this summer, with Liverpool seemingly setting their sights on Ekitike as his replacement.

However, the Reds' need for a striker extends beyond simply replacing the underperforming Uruguayan.

Luis Diaz continues to be associated with a potential exit, while Federico Chiesa's future at Anfield remains up in the air.

The Reds have consistently been linked with new strikers in recent months, with Isak and Ekitike often topping the list.

Beyond these two, Liverpool hs also reportedly shown interest in Julian Alvarez, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Christopher Nkunku.

Before the January transfer window, Omar Marmoush was perhaps the most frequently mentioned forward, following a prolific first half of the season with Eintracht Frankfurt, sparking rumors that Liverpool were keeping tabs on the Egyptian.

With 17 goals and six assists from 41 appearances for Frankfurt last year, he's been in even better form this season, netting 20 goals and providing 14 assists in just 26 appearances for the club.

Liverpool had previously secured the signings of Diaz and Cody Gakpo in the winters of 2022 and 2023, acting swiftly to avoid missing out on the duo, leading some fans to hope for a similar move this past January.

However, with six forwards already on their books - despite rumors linking Nunez and Chiesa with exits - a mid-season signing was not expected

Indeed, when Man City made a $79M (£51m) move for Marmoush, there was no hint of Liverpool challenging the current Premier League champions.

By securing Marmoush mid-season, City avoided the need to hunt for a new striker in the summer, a period when Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United were all in pursuit of fresh attacking talent.

While there were suggestions that Liverpool had been scouting Marmoush, it's possible that Ekitike was always their primary target, cleverly concealed alongside the Egyptian.



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He ended the season with an impressive tally of 22 goals and 12 assists from 48 appearances, aiding Frankfurt in securing a Champions League spot.

He is now poised to be the latest high-profile forward to depart the German club in a lucrative transfer, following in the footsteps of players like Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Andre Silva, Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller in recent years.

Only time will reveal if Ekitike proves successful at Anfield
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