Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool seems to be drawing to a close, with a clear candidate already in line to take over his role.
The Uruguayan striker has struggled to make a lasting impact at Anfield, failing to meet the high expectations that followed his arrival. Although the club chose to keep him during the January transfer window, Nunez has fallen out of favor under Arne Slot’s management. According to reports from Anfield Watch, he is set to be one of several high-profile departures this summer.
As Nunez’s departure seems imminent, the focus shifts to finding his replacement as Liverpool’s new No. 9. Slot’s tactical approach prioritizes forwards who not only score but also work hard for the team, creating space and supporting offensive play—much like Jurgen Klopp’s system.
One player who fits this profile is Hugo Ekitike. The French forward’s performances for Eintracht Frankfurt this season have attracted attention. Bundesliga statistics show that he has covered over 209 kilometers, averaging more than 11 kilometers per 90 minutes, demonstrating his work ethic. With a top speed of 35.53 km/h, he ranks among the league’s fastest, aligning with Slot’s demand for high-pressing intensity.
Ekitike’s attacking contributions further bolster his case. He has netted 18 goals across all competitions and boasts the second-highest expected goals (xG) in the Bundesliga, just behind Harry Kane. Beyond his goal-scoring ability, Ekitike’s versatility allows him to drift wide and create chances for teammates, a crucial quality in Slot’s tactical setup.
His technical ability is also impressive, completing 2.00 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, a figure only exceeded by Luis Diaz in the current Liverpool squad. Additionally, his 3.67 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes would place him ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold within Liverpool’s ranks.
Frankfurt is reportedly willing to sell Ekitike for around €80m, a potential bargain given his talent. Liverpool has been monitoring the striker since his breakout season at Reims, making him a strong candidate to replace Nunez.
