7 hours ago
59
Liverpool’s summer transfer business has centered around one dominant theme: addressing the deficiencies in Arne Slot’s squad.
That may seem obvious, but it’s remarkable how many Premier League clubs don’t apply the same logic when searching for new recruits. Newly crowned “world champions” Chelsea serve as a clear example, and the Blues have already added two strikers to a squad that still contains Nicolas Jackson and Joao Felix.
What’s even more surprising is that the Liverpool team that romped to the title last season had a surprising number of flaws. That was exposed in the final months and exacerbated by the imminent exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his role as right-back and creator-in-chief plugged by the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. The latter also brings greater quality and variety to the offensive midfield department.
Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez’s signing provides a needed upgrade on Andy Robertson, although the Scotland captain could still have a significant role to play this season.
One thing stands out with that trio: pace. It was something that Slot’s squad lacked last season, and, as the summer progresses, what is becoming clear is that the 2025/26 Liverpool will differ from the previous iteration under Slot.
This campaign, more dynamism and variety can be expected in Liverpool’s attacking movement, perhaps more overlapping runs and, crucially, more creativity and goals from the center.
As excellent as the Reds were last season, too often the Premier League champions relied on Mohamed Salah to provide a game-changing moment. With Wirtz now on board and Hugo Ekitike to potentially follow next, Slot’s array of offensive options is perhaps unmatched in the top flight.
Ekitike is a unique talent. While he is not completely rounded yet or the finished product, his pace, movement in behind, and stature make for an alluring combination.
The latter would help with Liverpool’s lack of goals from set-pieces, something Slot admitted at the end of last season must be improved this term.
“If you lose the battle of set-pieces it’s almost impossible to win a game of football,” the Liverpool head coach said in April. “The good thing for us is defensively we do well, but offensively, a team like us that has so many set pieces has to score more.
At 6ft 3in, Ekitike would offer additional presence in the box from corners and free-kicks. But intriguingly, for a striker with such outstanding physical attributes, he has developed a penchant for dropping deep and doesn’t always occupy the opposition center-backs. That could play to Wirtz’s strengths, as the 22-year-old is comfortable pushing up to be the most advanced player.
Etikike managed 1.82 successful take-ons per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, more than any other striker, and he also likes to drift into wide areas.
Last season, the Eintracht Frankfurt man also managed an impressive number of shots, essential for any center-forward. He produced a non-penalties expected goals of 0.64 last season, which places him in the 95th percentile among players in Europe’s top five leagues.
That he ranked seventh in the Bundesliga for open-play chance creation also underlines his creativity and ability to link with teammates.
The appeal for Slot and Rochard Hughes is clear, with FSG also open to financing another expensive outlay in what has already been Liverpool’s biggest-ever summer spend.
Given his variety in play and depth of talents, Slot should be able to deploy Ekitike to best suit the team's needs and tactical approach, depending on the opponent. He may even look to hone certain skills over the coming years, assuming a deal does indeed come to fruition.
It also plugs another weakness that most identified over the summer, and Darwin Nunez’s expected exit makes adding a no.9 essential.
Of course, Alexander Isak was first choice, but given Newcastle United’s unwillingness to sell, the Reds will feel Ekitike represents the best available option in a summer of significant striker movement across the market.
English (US) ·