Liverpool prepare record Isak bid, also rival Newcastle for Ekitiké

Slot’s second-season vision and attacking reshuffle

Premier League champions Liverpool are entering Arne Slot’s second season with bold ambitions. The club has already added significant quality with summer signings like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Now, the club’s attention has shifted toward bringing in a game-changing presence to lead the line.

Driving this strategy is the increasingly real prospect of Darwin Núñez leaving the club. Back in April, David Ornstein highlighted the Uruguayan striker’s inconsistency and tactical misfit as strong indicators that he could leave at the end of the season.

Offers for Núñez on the table, Isak the top target

According to talkSPORT, Núñez has received offers from Saudi Arabia, primarily from Al Hilal, who have reportedly submitted a bid of around £60 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool Offside reports that Napoli have made initial contact, regarding Núñez as their primary candidate to succeed Osimhen up front. Although Liverpool’s asking price has not yet been met, negotiations are said to be ongoing.

Within this framework, Alexander Isak has emerged as Liverpool’s foremost attacking priority. The Athletic reports that no formal offer has been made yet, but the Reds are preparing a move worth around £120 million ($161.4 million). Should the deal go through, it would set a new benchmark as the most expensive transfer in Premier League history. The Times states that the bid could rise to £130 million ($174.8 million).

However, Newcastle United have no intention of selling Isak. According to The Times, the club views him as a long-term pillar and plans to offer him a new contract. In Slot’s attacking framework, strikers who can play with their back to goal and make runs behind the defence are crucial. Isak blends the strength to hold up play with the intelligence to exploit space, a profile that aligns seamlessly with Slot’s system.

Ekitiké contest: Liverpool face off with Newcastle

As a contingency for Isak, Liverpool have turned their attention to Hugo Ekitiké of Eintracht Frankfurt. Sky Sports News reports that the Reds are in direct competition with Newcastle for the French striker, whose fee is believed to be around €100 million (£86.8 million / $116.7 million).

Newcastle are pursuing a different strategy. According to The Telegraph, Ekitiké is being targeted not as a replacement for Isak, but as his strike partner. Manager Eddie Howe reportedly aims to implement a two-striker system. The same source notes that Newcastle have previously made two attempts to sign Ekitiké, but he rejected a move to the Premier League in 2022 and instead joined PSG. Now, following a resurgence at Frankfurt, the club is making a third approach.

Ekitiké joined Frankfurt on loan from PSG in January 2024 and quickly impressed. The German club activated their €16.5 million buy option. Following Omar Marmoush’s transfer to Manchester City, Ekitiké emerged as Frankfurt’s focal point in attack, finishing the season with 22 goals and 11 assists, 15 of which came in the Bundesliga.

Hugo Ekitiké is a modern, versatile attacker. While primarily a centre-forward, he can also operate effectively as a left winger or second striker. Despite his 1.90m frame, he is agile, balanced and quick with the ball. Predominantly right-footed, he can finish with both feet and excels in aerial duels. His standout trait at Frankfurt was his link-up play, holding the ball up and involving teammates. For Ekitiké to thrive in the Premier League, he’ll need to build greater endurance and offer more consistent defensive work off the ball.

Determined to keep core players

While reinforcing the attack, Liverpool are also focused on retaining their core squad members. The coaching staff aim not only to add new stars but also to prevent destabilising departures.

In this regard, Bayern Munich’s €67.5 million (£58.6 million) bid for Luis Díaz was firmly rejected. According to The Guardian, despite public reports suggesting Díaz wants to leave, Liverpool have made it unequivocally clear that the Colombian forward is off the market and view him as a key figure in next season’s plans.

Liverpool intend to complete the signing of a top-level striker who fits Slot’s system before the summer window closes. While Alexander Isak remains the priority target, Hugo Ekitiké is seen as a strong alternative. The Reds continue to navigate the transfer market with deliberate intent as they push for back-to-back Premier League titles.