Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool seems to be coming to an end, with a clear successor already identified.
The Uruguayan striker has struggled to make a significant impact at Anfield, falling short of the high expectations set upon his arrival. Despite the club deciding to keep him during the January transfer window, Nunez has lost favor under Arne Slot’s management. Reports from Anfield Watch suggest he is likely to be one of several prominent departures this summer.
With his expected exit, the focus now turns to who will replace him as Liverpool’s next No. 9. Slot’s tactical approach emphasizes forwards who not only score but also play a key role in the team’s overall dynamics by creating space and supporting attacks—similar to Jurgen Klopp’s style.
One player who fits this description is Hugo Ekitike. The French forward’s performances for Eintracht Frankfurt this season have garnered attention. According to Bundesliga statistics, he has covered over 209 kilometers, averaging more than 11 kilometers per 90 minutes, highlighting his work rate. His top speed of 35.53 km/h ranks him among the league’s fastest players, aligning with Slot’s requirement for high-intensity pressing.
Ekitike’s offensive output further strengthens his case. He has scored 18 goals across all competitions and holds the second-highest expected goals (xG) in the Bundesliga, just behind Harry Kane. In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Ekitike’s versatility allows him to move wide and create opportunities for teammates, an essential trait for Slot’s system.
His technical skills are equally notable, completing 2.00 successful take-ons per 90 minutes—surpassed only by Luis Diaz in Liverpool’s squad. Furthermore, his 3.67 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes would rank him above Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s stats.
Frankfurt is reportedly open to selling Ekitike for around €80m, which could prove a bargain considering his potential. Liverpool have been tracking the striker since his breakthrough at Reims, making him a strong contender to replace Nunez.
