Which Striker Is The Right Fit For Arne Slot’s Liverpool? | OneFootball

By Aiden Gharibian

Liverpool are expected to bring in a new striker this summer, with Darwin Núñez reportedly set to leave the club. The Uruguayan has attracted interest from Napoli, Saudi Arabian clubs, and several other teams across Europe, and according to Fabrizio Romano, a solution is likely to be found in the coming weeks. With Núñez’s departure seemingly imminent, one question takes center stage: Who will be Liverpool’s next number 9?

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It has been widely reported that Arne Slot is targeting a striker who is technical, capable of dropping deep, contributes to link-up play, and offers positional versatility. With that profile in mind, Liverpool have been linked with two primary center-forward options so far. The first is Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt — a forward who ticks many of Slot’s boxes. He’s intelligent in his movement, links play well, and fits the modern pressing system. However, he remains raw and inconsistent in front of goal, which raises concerns for Liverpool fans still reeling from Darwin Núñez’s finishing struggles. Last season, Ekitike scored 15 Bundesliga goals but underperformed his expected goals (xG) tally of 21.7 — a worrying trend for a player reportedly valued at €100 million. The second name is Alexander Isak of Newcastle United. Isak is already a proven Premier League forward and offers the perfect blend of technique, composure, and flexibility. He checks every tactical and stylistic box Slot would want in a striker. However, with Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League and having no pressure to sell, a move for the Swede appears highly unlikely at this stage. Other names linked include Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Victor Osimhen. While talented, each presents challenges — whether it’s cost, age, or experience. Most importantly, none of them fully match the style of striker Slot seems to be prioritizing.

It seems Liverpool find themselves in a bit of a dilemma when it comes to striker targets — but those working behind the scenes at Anfield undoubtedly have a clearer plan than what meets the eye. With so many names being linked and different profiles being considered, this might just be the most fascinating position to watch over the summer. What striker do you see Liverpool signing — and who would you want leading the line next season?