Liverpool are wasting no time after lifting the Premier League title, with a wave of changes expected ahead of the 2025/26 season. With Trent Alexander-Arnold on his way out, Jeremie Frimpong looks set to fill the right-back slot, potentially alongside Florian Wirtz, who is also heavily linked. Milos Kerkez is expected to arrive from Bournemouth, adding further depth to Arne Slot’s new-look side.
But the biggest decision may come up front. While Alexander Isak is reportedly the dream signing, Newcastle’s valuation could price him out. Instead, Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a more attainable target—and with Chelsea shifting their interest to Liam Delap, Liverpool could swoop in.
⚽ Why Hugo Ekitike Fits Liverpool
At Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike has stepped up massively, scoring 15 goals and registering 8 assists in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. His chance came following Omar Marmoush’s January move to Manchester City, and the Frenchman adapted well, leading the line in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Ekitike’s playing style mirrors that of Isak—mobile, creative, and capable of drifting wide to open space for teammates. His ability to bring others into play is key in a Liverpool setup that prioritizes aggressive full-back overlaps and inside runs from wingers.
Last season, Liverpool’s strikers underperformed. Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez managed just 11 league goals between them. Ekitike’s selflessness and creativity—ranking 6th for successful dribbles (52) and 24th for key passes (44) in the Bundesliga—would offer a much-needed upgrade in both work rate and end product.
🔁 Pressing and Transitions: Ekitike’s Hidden Value
Liverpool led the Premier League in counter-attacking goals (14) last season, and pressing remains central to their tactical identity. Ekitike won possession 20 times in the attacking third, placing him 11th in the Bundesliga—showcasing his value in turning defence into attack. New teammate Wirtz led the same metric with 35 wins, and the duo could bring a new edge to Liverpool’s high press.
📉 The xG Dilemma: A Work in Progress
While promising, Ekitike still has areas to improve. He took 117 shots, more than any Bundesliga player, but underperformed his expected goals (xG) by 7.55—the worst in the league. Liverpool experienced a similar issue with Jota, whose xG underperformance of 3.85 was the worst in the squad.
Despite this, Liverpool scored 86 league goals, thanks in large part to Mohamed Salah’s stellar form. Still, Slot’s staff are seeking greater consistency and efficiency in front of goal, and Ekitike’s raw numbers suggest he could grow into that role.
🔮 Long-Term Vision
At 22 years old, Ekitike has time on his side. His combination of dribbling, pressing, and link-up play makes him a compelling long-term addition—especially with Liverpool looking to build on their domestic success and make a deeper push in Europe.