David Lynch “He’s a guaranteed goalscorer,” on Liverpool’s Summer Striker Target | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfers: Ekiteke, Uncertainty and the Slot Era – What David Lynch Told Anfield Index

Liverpool’s summer rebuild is already sparking intense speculation, with transfer talk dominating the agenda on the Media Matters Podcast hosted by Dave Davis on Anfield Index. Special guest David Lynch, a well-respected journalist closely linked with the club, offered crucial insight into potential moves, and one name stood out more than most: Hugo Ekitike.

Uncertainty Surrounds Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy

Speaking about the volume of rumours, Dave Davis joked, “There’s about 87,000 names linked and you’ve probably got as much clue as us right now in April who for definite it will be.”

One name doing the rounds is Hugo Ekitike, but David Lynch struck a cautious tone. “I can’t say I’ve heard anything regarding this link,” he admitted. “It’s kind of early for us to hear too much about it… but they’ll definitely be watching him.”

Still, Lynch suggested there’s no imminent move: “Probably too early days to say.” While Ekitike has qualities that may interest Liverpool’s recruitment team, Lynch made it clear that the club may be seeking someone with a more proven track record. “If Liverpool are going to sign a centre forward, it’s going to be someone to replace Nunez… who just has a little more production behind them.”

Striker Profile Must Fit Slot’s Plans

As talk turned to other forward options, Lynch drew attention to Liverpool’s specific needs: “They’re looking for something closer to the finished product.”

Discussing links to João Pedro and Liam Delap, Lynch dismissed either as likely targets. Regarding Pedro, he explained, “Brighton are probably putting that noise out there about 100 million… I imagine he could be secured for less than that, but less than that will still be kind of 70, 80 million.” For a player with a relatively modest goalscoring record, that fee seems excessive. “Doesn’t maybe score as much as you’d like for someone you’re going to spend 80 million on,” he added.

Photo: IMAGO

Delap, meanwhile, was described as a long shot: “I just don’t know whether Liam Delap is that. He just doesn’t quite seem there for me.”

So, who fits the bill?

Ekitike Ticks Boxes, But Questions Remain

Returning to the topic of Hugo Ekitike, Lynch highlighted a recurring dilemma in Liverpool’s forward planning: balancing raw potential with readiness. “He’s a guaranteed goalscorer,” Lynch said of a separate target, but it’s clear that any striker joining this summer will be expected to hit the ground running.

Although Ekitike’s goal return and flexibility might appeal, Lynch raised a subtle concern about character and consistency, referencing “some of the stories about him this season.” Liverpool’s recruitment model has always included character evaluation, and as Lynch noted, “That to me just screams Liverpool… but again, you know, I’m speculating there.”

While Ekitike may be under consideration, he’s not a confirmed top target at this stage. There’s acknowledgement of his availability – reportedly for €62 million – but no certainty around how strongly Liverpool will pursue him.

Podcast Offers Insight, But No Certainties

One of the most striking things about this edition of Media Matters is how much speculation remains – even among insiders. David Lynch was transparent about the limits of current knowledge: “We’ll be made to look stupid by transfers,” he laughed.

In the end, it seems likely Liverpool will move for at least one forward, but whether that’s Ekitike, João Pedro, or someone else entirely remains to be seen.

For now, all eyes remain on Arne Slot and the strategy being shaped behind closed doors at Anfield.

As Dave Davis summed up perfectly: “Probably no real idea still who that’s going to be.”