Liverpool Eye Ekitike as Edwards Prepares for Potential Isak Rebuff | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Isak Gamble and Ekitike’s Rise

The drawn-out saga surrounding Alexander Isak continues to hover over Liverpool’s summer rebuild. Newcastle remain determined to hold firm, pricing their Swedish talisman at over £130m — a fee that, while justifiable in context, is hardly conducive to rapid business or contractual finality. With Liverpool needing to reshape their forward line following the expected departures of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, time and options are both at a premium. As August approaches and the pre-season tour of the Reds, the expectation is that decisions must soon be made.

While Isak remains the preferred choice to lead the line, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have never been a duo to leave Liverpool vulnerable to dead-end negotiations. Enter Hugo Ekitike, the French U21 international whose profile seems increasingly aligned with the club’s evolving recruitment strategy. At just 23, Ekitike represents not just a contingency, but a long-term project with elite potential. The need to cover all recruitment bases is paramount to success, therefore, all avenues are being fully explored.

Currently playing his trade at Eintracht Frankfurt after a frustrating stint at PSG, the 6’2” striker has all the raw materials to become a force in the Premier League. Elegant in possession, deceptively quick, and tactically malleable, Ekitike’s game shares shades of Karim Benzema — a comparison made by Anfield Index’s Dave Hendrick. Whether dropping deep to link play or driving into space with confidence, his versatility makes him more than just a plan B. For a fee in the region of £70–80m, he could represent extraordinary value — especially in a market where established stars are becoming increasingly inaccessible. Forget the numbers and conditions that may lead to this point, it will always be centred around what he may bring to this new dynasty.

Trusting Edwards Means Embracing Evolution

There’s a long-standing tradition at Liverpool: trust in Michael Edwards. The now-returned architect of the club’s data-led golden era, Edwards has a habit of identifying high-ceiling talent just before they erupt into the elite. Mohamed Salah arrived from Roma with doubts surrounding his Premier League pedigree. Sadio Mané was seen as raw, inconsistent, and overpriced upon his arrival. Diogo Jota — may he rest in peace — was viewed as a surprise acquisition from Wolves. Even Roberto Firmino, the most unorthodox of forwards, came to Anfield with eyebrows raised about his role and output.

All of them became pillars of a Champions League and Premier League-winning era. The pattern is clear: Edwards doesn’t chase established stardom. He builds it. And in that context, Hugo Ekitike is a classic Liverpool signing. Young, hungry, technically gifted, and undervalued due to the expected optics of his PSG tenure — a misfit in a bloated, dysfunctional squad — he now needs the right system, the right coach, and the right runway to success.

Arne Slot could be exactly that coach. With his focus on fluid attacking patterns, positional interchanges, and aggressive pressing, the Dutchman needs forwards who are not only willing to run but intelligent enough to do it with purpose. Ekitike may not be the polished article yet, but he possesses all the tools to become a nightmare for Premier League defences if shaped correctly.

Slot’s System, Squad Depth and the Bigger Picture

Liverpool’s rebuild this summer isn’t just about signing big names — it’s about assembling a forward unit capable of competing across four competitions. Florian Wirtz is already secured, Rodrygo looks increasingly likely, and Salah will remain a key figure until his departure or decline. The idea is balance: the type that allows for constant rotation without a drop in quality or output.

That’s where someone like Ekitike fits in perfectly. If Isak arrives, he will likely start every key game. If not, Ekitike may share duties with a repurposed Federico Chiesa or a flexible Wirtz in false-nine roles. The difference is one of development trajectory — Liverpool aren’t just filling a gap, they’re planning for evolution.

Importantly, a signing like Ekitike also aligns with Liverpool’s wider financial logic. Spending £130m on Isak is doable, but only if the club clears significant wage and amortisation room. With Ekitike, Liverpool can move earlier, spend smarter, and perhaps even allow for an additional marquee signing elsewhere — whether in midfield, defence, or offensive cover. The ripple effect matters, and it’s exactly the kind of equation Edwards thrives in solving.

Ultimately, while Isak is the dream, Ekitike is a dreamer’s project — and Liverpool, under Edwards and Hughes, have made their name turning such projects into champions.