Liverpool have made some big signings this summer and their starting XI will see a major shake-up.

After making virtually no signings in his first year at the club, or at least ones that would be nailed-on starters, Arne Slot now certainly has plenty of options to choose from ahead of the new season.

The Reds have had somewhat of a summer overhaul and they are not even finished yet, with owners FSG clearly backing the Dutchman and believing he is the right man to take the club forward.

They have strengthened all over the pitch and added youthfulness to ensure they remain competitive for years to come, although there are still a few more signings expected to come through the door.

‘So many question marks…’ – Neil Warnock questions whether Liverpool ‘gamble’ could backfire	'Dynasty': Liverpool told they've done something this summer which even Sir Alex Ferguson would be proud of	Journalist says £81m deal done as Liverpool beat deadline to wrap up Ekitike

The closest is that of striker Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman set for his medical on Tuesday before being officially unveiled as a new Liverpool player.

He clearly has talent in abundance and was hot property this summer as many top clubs wanted him, but former manager Neil Warnock is still not convinced and believes that the transfer market is going mad.



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

The Reds have been desperate to bring in a striker all summer and have been keen to replace Darwin Nunez who looks set to depart after three sub-par seasons on Merseyside.

With Newcastle not budging on their stance regarding Alexander Isak, Ekitike was never far from Liverpool’s thoughts and they have acted quickly to secure his signature.

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However, despite being willing to pay such a big amount of money – and they were not the only club willing to do so either – Warnock still believes that the move is far too risky.

Isn’t it a lot of money for someone who, yes he’s had a good season, but there’s so many question marks about what he’s going to be like,” Warnock said on talkSPORT.

“I don’t know where the money is going now.

I just think it’s too much of a gamble.

READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike could wear a squad number that has not been used at Liverpool since 2023

“Or, are they doing it to try and give them a bit more time for the Newcastle lad?”

Despite Warnock saying the deal is worth £90m, the Reds are actually spending at least £69m to bring Ekitike to Anfield.

And, despite this, Liverpool are yet to rule out an offer for Isak and there could be a possibility where both end up at the club.

That would certainly spread out the risk, as well as the pressure on the Frenchman’s shoulders, but it would require parting ways with even more money, and a lot of it at that.

Not only can the price tag affect a player’s ability to perform at their new club, but Warnock is right to some extent as Ekitike is yet to really prove himself as a top European striker.

The 23-year-old did well at Stade Reims in France and netted 11 times in 28 games before securing a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, he struggled a lot in the French capital for game time, mainly because they had a front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at the time.

He has spent the last two seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt and certainly recovered his career well, although last year was the first time he reached double digits for goals in a single season since the 2021/22 campaign.

Hugo Ekitike’s goals per season2021/22 (Reims)2022/23 (PSG)2023/24 (Frankfurt)2024/25 (Frankfurt)No.

of Goals114422Stats from Transfermarkt and correct as of 21/07/25

It is safe to say the striker market has not been the most appealing this summer but Ekitike was still an appealing option, but he now has a lot of pressure to prove himself at Anfield and silence any doubters.


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