Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool: A Gamble or Genius? | OneFootball

By Aiden Gharibian

After a jam-packed week of drama surrounding Liverpool’s hunt for a new centre forward, it looks like the Reds may have finally found their man. Following a bold approach to Newcastle for Alexander Isak — reportedly worth £120 million — the club were met with the same firm stance they’ve encountered all summer: the player is not for sale. Now, Liverpool have made a breakthrough in talks for Hugo Ekitike, with the player said to be prioritising a move to Anfield. His price tag is reportedly set at €100 million, though the expectation is that he could be available for slightly less. Ekitike is a polarising name among fans, with questions swirling around finishing, readiness, and pricetag. So, let’s break down this potential signing from a few key angles.

Starting off with the negatives, it’s completely fair to be disappointed about missing out on Isak. He was the dream target — arguably the best striker in the Premier League — and his profile was a perfect fit for what many fans envisioned. Beyond that, most would agree that Ekitike’s reported fee is steep for a relatively unproven player. There are still valid concerns about his finishing and whether he’s ready to perform consistently at the highest level.

Should Liverpool Fans Be Excited By Hugo Ekitike?

However, there’s a growing narrative labelling him as “just another Nunez” due to concerns about his finishing, but anyone who’s actually watched Ekitike knows that comparison is wide off the mark. In truth, his style is far closer to Alexander Isak than Darwin Nunez — a technically gifted forward who drops deep, links play, creates chances, and thrives in one-on-one situations. Statistically, he ranks in the 96th percentile for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, placing him among the elite ball carriers in Europe for his position. This isn’t a rushed, last-minute move either — Liverpool have been monitoring him throughout the summer. With Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes, and Arne Slot all involved in the decision-making, it’s safe to assume the club knows what it’s doing. More importantly, Ekitike clearly fits the tactical profile Slot is trying to build around. And finally, his upside arguably surpasses that of many other available targets, both in terms of talent and age.

Overall, this striker domino has been a fascinating one to follow, with several other clubs now entering the market for a number nine as well. Liverpool’s summer business has been impressive so far, and the addition of Ekitike could add yet another layer of excitement. Now, the focus shifts to reinforcing the defence — particularly at centre back — and ensuring the club retains and extends some of its key players moving forward.