Arne Slot sends transfer warning after Hugo Ekitike blow — 'What can we afford?'

Arne Slot admits Liverpool's summer transfer plans will be influenced by Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury, with the Reds boss warning deals are "not as simple" as fans think

Arne Slot has admitted Liverpool's transfer business will be impacted by Hugo Ekitike's injury(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has acknowledged that Liverpool's summer transfer strategy will be shaped by Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury — and could be hindered by a failure to secure Champions League qualification.

The Reds travel to Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday for the first time, seeking to take a crucial step toward reclaiming their spot at Europe's top table, having been eliminated at the quarter-final stage in midweek by Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool, which currently holds a four-point advantage in the fifth and final Champions League position, will have to navigate its remaining six Premier League fixtures without Ekitike, who faces months out after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his right leg on Tuesday.

Ekitike is expected to miss a substantial portion of the new campaign, which would leave Alexander Isak, who only made his first start in nearly four months against PSG following a broken leg, as Liverpool's sole recognized senior center-forward.

Slot concedes that forward reinforcements will feature in the Reds' summer considerations, while emphasizing the financial significance of securing Champions League football.

"I think you always take into account which players you are having available for large parts of next season and then you think 'what's there on the market, what can we afford, who wants to come to us?'," he said, as per the Liverpool Echo.

Hugo Ekitike faces a long lay-off after rupturing his Achilles tendon(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"So it is not as simple as people think it is... 'Oh, there is a good player walking around, let's sign him.'

"You always look at your squad for the short and long-term. Especially this club is very focused on the long-term, a lot of other clubs are very focused on the short-term, but this club tries to combine that with the long-term.

"So a lot of factors go into a decision and one of them is definitely Hugo being out and the other one is what is available and what does the rest of the team look like and what do we need?

"But we are mainly focused here on the upcoming six games because that could also impact our plans for the summer at this club."

Liverpool.com says: Ekitike's injury does make things difficult for the summer. With Mohamed Salah also leaving, Liverpool might well have to look at a forward who can double up as a winger or a striker.

It's probably no surprise then that the Anthony Gordon rumors are springing up again. He does fit the bill, having filled in up front at times for Newcastle this season, but it's hard to imagine the Magpies letting another player come to Anfield after the Isak saga.

Either way, Liverpool will have to find someone. Going into the new season with just Isak in place feels like an almighty risk, especially when you're losing the goals Salah has produced over the years.