Why doesn't Hugo Ekitike have a squad number yet? Reason for Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong delay

1 day ago 22

Liverpool has already been very busy this summer. And with Alexander Isak's head seemingly having been turned, things could get even more interesting yet.

So far, Arne Slot's side has signed Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. And earlier today, Hugo Ekitike met his teammates for the first time in Hong Kong, having arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal that could eventually be worth up to $106 million (£79 million) this week.

But none of those new signings also joined by young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi and experienced back-up Freddie Woodman — have been given new squad numbers yet. Why is that?

There is no official reasoning that has been given by the club up to now, but there could be two explanations. One, which has been speculated, is that Liverpool is waiting for its new Adidas kit to land, with the deal with Nike not yet expired.

More likely, the Reds are waiting to see who moves on before the end of the summer. Ekitike, for instance, could take the No. 9 shirt from Darwin Nunez should the Uruguayan move on.

Wirtz, meanwhile, could take on the No. 19 if Harvey Elliott leaves. With so much churn among the Reds' roster, it probably makes sense to wait until things have settled down a little more.

Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during a pre-season training session at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong

Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during a pre-season training session at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong

Heading into the summer, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hinted that he was expecting a "big summer" in the transfer market having committed to playing for the Reds for two more years.

"I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years," Van Dijk told reporters. "Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer.

"I think they're planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board as Liverpool-connected fans to do the right job.

"I think we 100 percent can improve. But I think we shouldn't forget the quality that the Premier League possesses, especially this season in my opinion. It's incredible how everyone can beat everyone."

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Liverpool will face AC Milan next, taking on the Serie A giant on Saturday. Ekitike will wear the number 54 on that occasion. Wirtz will wear number 58. Woodman is 55, Mamardashvili 56, Kerkez 57, Frimpong 59, and Pecsi 60.

Liverpool.com says: It makes sense for the Reds to wait, because there might be plenty more transfer business yet. Luis Diaz is wanted by Bayern Munich, while Nunez and Elliott, if they are sold, will bring in big money.

Others who should be looking to move on, either permanently or on loan, include Tyler Morton and Ben Doak. Younger stars like Lewis Koumas and James McConnell could head out temporarily in search of more experience.

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