Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool in 'Regular' Contact to Sign £60m Forward After Wirtz

Liverpool is closely monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, who is expected to leave for Napoli. This transfer news could influence betting odds on potential outcomes for Liverpool's next signing, making Ekitike a favorable choice for punters looking to wager on future player movements.

Liverpool have identified Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike as a potential replacement for Napoli target Darwin Nunez, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Premier League winners have reportedly earmarked Ekitike as a concrete option in their striker search this summer and are maintaining regular contact with his representatives over a potential Anfield move.

Liverpool are expected to push on with a number nine signing once Nunez departs, amid interest from Napoli and several European and Saudi Arabian clubs. The Uruguayan striker is expected to end his three-year stint on Merseyside this summer, with the Reds keen to replace him with a new frontman to lead Arne Slot’s new-look line-up alongside Florian Wirtz next season.

Liverpool Monitoring Hugo Ekitike

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Napoli are working towards a deal for Nunez, who could soon make way for a new number nine at Anfield:

“Don’t forget Liverpool in this story. Don’t forget how Liverpool are involved in the story for Hugo Ekitike. “Because Liverpool are waiting to find a solution for Darwin Nunez. Darwin is expected to leave Liverpool. Napoli are in contact with the player’s camp, so Napoli are on it.

“There is also interest from more European clubs, but also from Saudi. Darwin was a top target in Saudi in January, and Darwin remains a target for this summer transfer window for Saudi clubs.

“And so let’s also follow the Darwin Nunez situation, because, with Darwin leaving, Ekitike is a concrete target for Liverpool.

“Liverpool already spoke to the agents of the player at the end of May. Liverpool are in regular contact with people close to Hugo Ekitike. So for sure Ekitike remains a player on Liverpool’s list.”

Ekitike has enjoyed a breakout campaign at Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions last season.

The ‘unbelievable’ 22-year-old forward could soon become one of Frankfurt’s most expensive departures ever, joining the likes of Omar Marmoush and Randal Kolo Muani in the top three.

The £60m-rated striker joined the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain last year for a reported fee of €16.5m (£14m) and is under contract until June 2029.

Manchester United are also believed to be interested in Ekitike, who is now being viewed as an alternative to their long-standing target Viktor Gyokeres .

Hugo Ekitike's Frankfurt Stats (2024/25 Bundesliga) Games 33 Goals 15 Assists 8 Goal-creating actions 12 Minutes played 2,563

GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano provides an update on the futures of Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike.

Statistics courtesy of Fbref and Transfermarkt. Correct as of 1 7 -06-25.

Liverpool have identified the 22-year-old forward as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez.

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