Liverpool

Alex Keble
Football tactics writer

Arne Slot's summer reshuffle has already been the most significant by a reigning Premier League champion in the competition's history and the arrival of Hugo Ekitike is the final flourish that makes it practically a full-scale revolution.

But why were Liverpool prepared to spend big on the 23-year-old?

Ekitike scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 31 Bundesliga games last season, totalling the fifth-most goal involvements in the division. He was also involved in the fifth-most 'attacking sequences' in the Bundesliga.

Image source, Opta

That can be interpreted as showing the quality of Ekitike's all-round game - whether holding up the ball, running into channels or bursting in behind.

He is particularly adept at setting up his team-mates as well, creating more chances from open play (44) in 2024-25 than any other Bundesliga forward.

The only slight concern is that Ekitike is a little raw in front of goal. He took 117 shots in the Bundesliga last season, more than anyone else, but only converted a disappointing 12.8%, leading to an xG under-performance of 6.6 goals - a bigger gap than any other player in Europe's biggest five leagues.

Image source, Opta

But that just means Ekitike needs a little tuning up.

It is worth nothing that when Newcastle's Alexander Isak was the same age and playing for Real Sociedad in 2021-22, he scored just six goals in 32 league games, under-performing his xG by 3.8 and converting just 8.2% of his shots.

Read the full feature here

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Joey Jones was a "Liverpool fan at heart" and famous for his "dressing room craic", said Phil Thompson after his former team-mate's death at the age of 70 on Tuesday.

Jones enjoyed a glittering three-year period with Liverpool, winning a First Division title, two European Cups, a Uefa Cup and a European Super Cup between 1975 and 1978.

"Joey was a great lad, an absolutely great lad. Joey's probably one of the nicest young men you'd meet," ex-defender Thompson, who played for the Reds between 1971 and 1984 and then went on to be assistant manager under Gerard Houllier, told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"But he was also a good footballer who knew his limitations and that's what made him so special.

"He knew what he was good at, which was defending. The defensive game now is probably not Joey's thing, but what Joey gave our team at that time was a blend, because Joey could defend.

"What made our side back then was how we got on together, and Joey was one of those unique, just outright funny lads. You'd remember how he always clenched his fist to the Kop before games and that made him unique to them. The Kop loved Joey.

"It was the dressing room craic that Joey was famous for, he didn't want to do any harm to anybody and yet we always knew he had a short fuse.

"We remember him getting into a altercation with Ray Kennedy. Kennedy took advantage of his nature and was clipping Joey from behind his legs and Joey just turned and laid one into him. It shocked not just Ray but the rest of us.

"But he was a terrific lad - such a Liverpool fan at heart."

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Real Madrid's Brazil winger Rodrygo, 24, is one of the candidates to replace Luis Diaz at Liverpool should the forward leave Anfield. (Florian Plettenberg, external)

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Professional football scout and analyst Umir Irfan says Hugo Ekitike will "facilitate Mohamed Salah's game really well" when his move from Eintracht Frankfurt is confirmed.

When discussing the Reds' interest in both Ekitike and Newcastle's Alexander Isak on BBC Radio Merseyside, he said: "It's perhaps a better long-term signing for Liverpool in general to end up with Ekitike.

"It was going to be one of the two and either way it would be an impressive signing.

"Ekitike is a really impressive player. There's room for him to improve, which is always an exciting thing - but one thing he does offer is something that is very complementary to the rest of the players around him. I always think that is the most important thing when you sign a player.

"At Liverpool you have Salah, who you want to maximise for the next couple of years. He's not a player you want defending loads. With Florian Wirtz and Ekitike - they are both players who press incredibly well.

"But, it's not only the defensive side. On the ball Ekitike drops in really well and facilities play combining with the midfield really well, almost in a Firmino-like manner.

"That allows players like Salah or Wirtz to come inside and attack further up the pitch more centrally. On top of that, he has a great passing range and willingness to run in behind - whether that is to let other players come inside or free up space for the midfielders behind him.

"He's a very selfless player in general play and is someone who I think will facilitate Salah's game really well. But, he is selfish in the box in terms of taking lots of shots, which is always something you want from your number nine."

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Forward Luis Diaz remains determined to leave Liverpool during the summer transfer window and is hoping Bayern Munich will make a new offer in the coming days. (ESPN) , external

Napoli, AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Inter Milan are interested in Reds winger Federico Chiesa. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Tottenham are set to rival Liverpool for the signing of Crystal Palace's 25-year-old England centre-back Marc Guehi. (Star), external

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is close to signing a new long-term deal with the club and going out on loan for the season. (Mail), external

Derby County have agreed a deal to sign Liverpool's Owen Beck on loan for the season, with the left-back expected to have a medical later this week. (John Percy on X, external)

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We asked for your views on whether Darwin Nunez still has a part to play at Liverpool this season. The forward scored a hat-trick against Stoke in a pre-season friendly on Sunday and found the net when the Reds beat Preston in a friendly in the previous week.

Here are some of your comments:

Andy: I would definitely keep Nunez for at least another season. The boy's a grafter.

Nathan: Nunez should stay, he contributed a lot to our achievement in the Premier League and is currently our main striker. Hugo Ekitike has not played in the Premier League. He will first need to adapt to our system of play which Nunez already has.

Mark: If we can't get rid of him he's good to have on the bench.

Dax: I've been saying for some time that all Nunez needs is someone to trust him and push him forward. In Florian Wirtz, I believe Liverpool have found that person. It would be wrong of Arne Slot to offload Nunez at this stage. He's proven he can get into great areas to score and my guess is that he'll be used more as his confidence and subsequent goals increase. Nunez seems clearly on a mission and I think he's going to achieve it this season.

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Dave: Keep him, looks like he has settled at last.

A D Hilder: In my mind Darwin Nunez should stay. He's had his problems in front of goal but is he now coming good? Liverpool should keep Darwin until at least January to see how he performs. Replacing him with Isak is a lot of money.

Andy S: While I appreciate he is getting goals, he has proven that he fluffs his lines against the bigger teams. No ill will, but he needs to progress his career elsewhere.

Euan: It's a pity it hasn't worked out as we had all hoped it would have. The truth is we can't rely on him scoring goals especially in those tight games where we require a match-winning goal. I feel it's time for him to move on and enjoy his football elsewhere. He needs to rebuild his confidence.

Alex Keble
Football tactics writer

Image source, Getty Images

Along with Florian Wirtz and the two new full-backs, Hugo Ekitike points to a different Liverpool set-up.

In 2024-25, some 47 of Liverpool's 86 goals (55%) were scored or assisted by Mohamed Salah, who ran the right wing almost on his own as Alexander-Arnold drifted inside.

By contrast, Jeremie Frimpong is a very attacking, very wide right-back. That should take some of the pressure off Salah, but it might also see the Egyptian move infield to support the new creator-in-chief Wirtz, Liverpool's first proper number 10 in years.

Adding weight to that theory is Ekitike's history of playing in a strike partnership. He was arguably at his best in a 3-5-2 alongside Omar Marmoush at Frankfurt, with whom he regularly swapped positions in a fluid forward line.

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He was also more often than not playing in a two at Reims, where he made his name. Could Slot be planning something similar with Ekitike and Salah?

In a 4-2-3-1, Frimpong's aggressive wing play on the right could free Salah to drift inside and operate as something like a split striker alongside Ekitike, with Wirtz and a number eight sitting just behind.

That would certainly be direct, dynamic and straight-lined, and would certainly be ready for a turn towards fast-transitioning football next season.

But it's just one of the options available to Slot now he has such a versatile number nine leading the charge.

Ekitike can drop like Roberto Firmino or get in behind, can play alone or in a two, and can play transitional football or in a possession-centric side.

He is the real deal: the centre-forward of the calibre and tactical dexterity pretty much every 'Big Six' club has been looking for.

Whether Slot continues with Pep Guardiola-like patience or swings back towards Klopp-like verticality, Liverpool's chances of retaining the Premier League title just improved.

• Read more on Ekitike and Liverpool's tactics

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Liverpool have agreed a fee of £69m with £10m in add-ons with Eintracht Frankfurt for striker Hugo Ekitike.

The 23-year-old now has permission to travel to complete a medical and agree personal terms with the Premier League champions.

Ekitike completed his first full season with Frankfurt in the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 22 goals and claiming 12 assists in 48 appearances, as they secured Champions League football with a third-placed finish in the Bundesliga.

BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel said the starting point of Liverpool's move for Ekitike came at the end of last season.

If his medical progresses well, he could join the Reds squad for their pre-season tour in Asia.

Liverpool artist Paul Curtis has finished the mural of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva that Reds fans helped fund and design.

Curtis, who has painted over 250 public pieces in the region - including the likes of Bill Shankly and the late Hillsborough campaigner Anne Williams - hoped to raise £2,000 to cover the costs of the upcoming piece.

The sum was gathered in 35 minutes online and as the crowdfunder appeal now stands at over £26,000, with the excess funds set to go to good causes.

Curtis proposed multiple designs on social media, which fans then voted on before he got to work near Anfield.

"We plan to get a plaque made in honour of the lads and recognising the fans' involvement in this," said Curtis on X.

"To everyone who donated, I personally want to thank you and want you to know it is hugely appreciated.

"And I am sure I speak for all Liverpool fans when I say thanks to Diogo for all the amazing memories. Forever our 20, his name is Diogo."

Image source, X

Image source, Getty Images

Darwin Nunez scored a hat-trick inside 20 minutes in Liverpool's 5-0 win over Stoke City on Sunday.

Rio Ngumoha increased the lead to four before Federico Chiesa added a fifth in the pre-season friendly, which was played behind closed doors at the club's training ground.

Florian Wirtz also made his first outing in a Liverpool shirt.

Nunez was also on the scoresheet in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Preston North End a fortnight ago.

Pre-season is pre-season but what do you reckon Reds? Does Nunez still have a part to play at Liverpool?

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Real Madrid are happy to wait it out to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a free next summer but may offer a low bid in this transfer window. (Football Insider, external)

Meanwhile the Reds are favourites to land Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, 21, over Tottenham - but not until next summer, as the player wants to spend another year at Selhurst Park. (Sun on Sunday, external)

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak was - or rather is - entirely genuine.

Newcastle United, at least publicly, have maintained that the 25-year-old Sweden international simply is not for sale.

But when the Reds stepped up their efforts to land the striker earlier this week, it suggested they had had some private encouragement to the contrary.

Even if their decision to focus on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike comes to fruition, you can expect Liverpool's interest in Isak to remain.

As things stand, the former Real Sociedad forward will enter the final two years of his contract next summer - a juncture at which Newcastle face significantly more jeopardy.

Of course, Liverpool - with or without Ekitike - may enter next summer's transfer window believing they do not require another centre-forward.

But, if they do, Isak is unlikely to be too far away from their thoughts.

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Liverpool have held preliminary talks with Real Madrid over Brazil forward Rodrygo, with the 24-year-old considered a potential replacement for Luis Diaz if the Anfield club decide to sell. (Talksport, external)

Meanwhile, the Reds are battling Arsenal for 17-year-old Salford City striker Will Wright, with the Gunners having agreed a fee of about £200,000. (Mail, external)

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Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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Liverpool are reportedly close to sealing a deal for one of Europe's brightest young talents in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. But how do the Frenchman's numbers stack up when compared to another of their transfer targets, Alexander Isak?

Firstly, only three players aged 23 or under were directly involved in more goals than Ekitike in Europe's big five leagues last season. The striker scored 15 top-flight goals and assisted eight, with his combined tally emulating Cole Palmer and one more than Florian Wirtz and Lamine Yamal mustered – not bad company to keep.

While his haul of 15 league goals in 2024-25 was a career best, his finishing appears a potential weakness. The 23-year-old underperformed his expected goals total by 6.7 and converted just 12.8% of his shots – with Isak almost twice as lethal in front of goal last season.

Dan Roan
Sports editor

If Liverpool do sign Hugo Ekitike at Newcastle's expense, then you'd imagine the Magpies will reflect on their decision to walk away from a £20m deal to sign the 23-year-old striker three years ago, only to then pivot and sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.

Ekitike's emergence as one of the continent's best young strikers has seen his value sky-rocket. His asking price is part of the reason why Newcastle have failed to sign the French striker in recent days.

Ekitike's rise to prominence has also resulted in Europe's top clubs entering the equation.

When Liverpool come knocking it's hard to ignore. His 26 goals in 47 appearances for Frankfurt has been enough for the Merseysiders to take the plunge in a deal that will cost in-excess of £70m.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is aiming to have the deal for Ekitike closed by the end of the weekend, while Newcastle's wait for a new striker moves on.

They are interested in Yoane Wissa, but it will be intriguing to see how Manchester United's latest bid for Brentford team-mate Bryan Mbeumo impacts the Democratic Republic of Congo international's potential move to St James' Park.

Brentford are adamant they don't want to lose Wissa and Mbeumo this summer, particularly given the upheaval that has already impacted the west London club.

There are questions that still need answering for Newcastle - though those close to the club will tell you keeping Isak is the solution to most of their problems.

Read more on Isak, Ekitike and Wissa

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James Milner has paid tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota in an interview with Brighton's in-house media team at the start of pre-season.

Milner played alongside Jota for three seasons between 2020 and 2023 before the midfielder departed Anfield to join the Seagulls. The 39-year-old travelled to Portugal for the funeral of Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the start of July.

"The emotions you feel are pretty obvious," he said.

"The shock at first of hearing it and hoping it's not actually true. Your mind goes through your experiences together and the time you shared together.

"As a player he was incredible. A finisher - so clever with the positions he got into, how he used his body.

"I sit next to Adam Webster on the bus when we travel to [Brighton] games and the amount of times I've said to him 'you don't realise how good this guy is, this guy is amazing, I love watching him' and Adam would say 'yeah Milly you told me last week'.

"Every week I love watching the guy as a player and I loved training with him but, more importantly than as a player, as a guy he was incredible. He was someone you could put in any corner of the dressing room and people loved him.

"Me and him had so many fun days together winding each other up. He's such a stubborn guy like myself. We had so much fun together.

"He was such an amazing family man and just someone you wanted to be around. He'll be missed by everyone. He was a truly amazing player and even better guy - an unbelievable guy to be around.

"He'll be missed by everyone who knew him and everyone in the footballing world for sure."

Image source, Getty Images

Former West Ham and Wolves first-team coach Edu Rubio on the prospect of Hugo Ektike joining Liverpool: "He can be a great signing for Liverpool FC. He can play on his own at the front or in a front two. He can also drift to the wing. He is versatile and comes from 18 excellent months at Frankfurt.

"Ekitike excels in quick attacking transitions with his forward runs and his accuracy in dribbling with the ball at his feet. He can also do well in tight areas when his team is playing against a low block. His height will also come in handy for set pieces.

"There is, though, a question mark around whether Ekitike will manage to up his goals and assists and find consistent high figures in this department; as well as if he can deploy an aggressive high-press style since he has not been exposed to that at Frankfurt.

"However, he is a very exciting young French talent with huge potential to do very well in the Premier League. I am sure Arne Slot will also like his link-up play and ability to drop to help build the attack phase, as this is an area Liverpool introduced last year. So all in all, a good signing for the Reds."

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We asked for thoughts on Liverpool moving for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who had been a Newcastle target amid Reds interest in Magpies star Alexander Isak.

Here are some of your comments on a deal that could be worth in excess of £70m:

Alfie: He is one of the best young strikers in the world. He would be an unbelievable addition to not just Liverpool, but the Premier League as well. If he does join us, it would complete the deadliest attack in the world.

Fran: Ekitike is more in line with Liverpool's approach. He's still young and can be coached to improve. Isak is nearly 26. Very good player but I like Ekitike and think he's a better fit.

Solomon: Very good signing if it goes through. We definitely need an upgrade on Darwin Nunez. My only concern is we had the same high expectations of Nunez but he has flattered to deceive.

Ryan: I can't pretend to be an expert on the kid but from what I've seen, he looks a terrific talent. I fully trust the club in their judgement and think he could form a formidable partnership with the attacking players we already have, so great news. We all know Isak would have been our prime target but, realistically, unless he hands in a transfer request, he is going nowhere.

Andrew: This does feel a bit underwhelming after the Isak news. Has potential but is unproven in the Premier League. I remain hopeful, though, and there haven't been too many misses from the FSG recruitment team.

Thom: I'd rather Liverpool pay £70m on a player, rather than £130m-plus on Isak. He's a great player, but at that price? Not for me.

Tony: Ekitike could be the perfect striker for Liverpool. Quick, intelligent and able to link up with Florian Wirtz to create space, mayhem and opportunities for himself and our other frontmen.

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