MusaFabrizio Romano has told Liverpool why their chances of signing Alexander Isak are slim – but it’s not all bad news for the Reds after the journalist confirmed that talks had been held with agents about a 50-goal option.
The Reds have shown they are serious about the transfer market this summer. After Liverpool secured a deal for Jeremie Frimpong just days before the window opened, Liverpool’s second summer arrival was confirmed on Friday night in the form of Florian Wirtz – the German arriving for a British record fee of £116m (€135m, $156m) including add-ons.
The Premier League champions won’t have long to wait for a number three signing either, with a deal also in place to bring Milos Kerkez to Anfield.
Despite a deal that has taken their spending to £190m, Arne Slot’s side are still not done this summer and are looking to make another central defensive signing next term. And our view is that a deal for Marco Guehi is closing in after the Reds took a decisive step towards a deal.
Instead, the Reds have suggested that signing Hugo Ekitike, a player recently described by journalist Si Phillips as “explosive”, is much more likely to happen at Anfield this summer.
“Liverpool would try to sign Isak [if he were available], but I don’t have that feeling at the moment. The club, from what I hear, see it as a very, very difficult deal,” Romano began on the Market Madness podcast.
“The one name I can mention for Liverpool is still Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt. Because if Darwin Nunez leaves, let’s see what happens with Luis Diaz, and Darwin in particular, and I see Darwin leaving this summer.
“Well, I think it could be an opportunity for Ekitike to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United have also been in contact with agents in the last few days to understand the situation.
“But for Liverpool it is also an opportunity. Liverpool have spoken to agents. Liverpool also thought Ekitike was an interesting opportunity. And he is a name they would keep on their shortlist.”
Liverpool face stiff competition for Hugo Ekitike
According to Romano, the competition for Ekitike remains fierce and they will have to fight off the attention of both Man Utd and Chelsea if they are to secure a deal this summer.
In fact, the Blues held extensive talks with Eintracht Frankfurt a fortnight ago but have temporarily backed away from a deal with the Bundesliga side, who have stuck to their high €100m (£85.6m, $115m) price tag.
United have also made enquiries in recent days, and while they could confirm the France Under-21 international as a name they are considering, Ruben Amorim’s side will first need to secure a cash flow by offloading a number of unwanted stars.
But with finances a minor issue at Anfield, coupled with the fact that talks over Nunez’s departure are gaining momentum, Liverpool are in a very strong position to trigger a potential deal if they decide Ekitike is right.
But while the Reds will try to negotiate a better deal with the Bundesliga side, journalist Christian Falk has made it clear what Liverpool need to do to secure a deal for the striker, who scored 22 goals in 48 appearances for Frankfurt in the 2024/25 season.
“It’s true: the race for Hugo Ekitike is back on. Arsenal and Liverpool are still interested in the striker, as well as Chelsea,” Falk said, adding: “Frankfurt have made it clear… if they don’t pay €100m, the player will stay.”
Liverpool transfer roundup: Isak hopes for collapse; Kerkez cut guaranteed
As for Isak, Liverpool have been told they have almost no chance of signing the Swede this summer after Newcastle’s stunning asking price emerged, with two sources sharing the inside word from both Anfield and St James’ Park.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has successfully negotiated a deal with his former club Bournemouth to bring Milos Kerkez to Anfield, with David Ornstein and Romano providing the full details.
On the outside, the Reds are moving forward with talks to sell Nunez and Jarell Quansah, with two journalists providing key updates on the pair.
The statistic that shows why Liverpool are so keen on Hugo Ekitike
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