A 40-goal striker has sent a timely reminder for Liverpool to sign him. The Reds are in the market to sign a new forward and bolster Arne Slot’s options in the attacking department. With Darwin Nunez set to leave Liverpool’s search for a new striker has intensified following Darwin Nunez’s expected departure to Napoli, with a 40-goal forward emerging as a prime candidate to bolster Arne Slot’s attacking options for the 2025/26 season.

The Reds, fresh off their 2024/25 Premier League title win, are navigating a transitional period marked by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025, and the need to reinforce their forward line. While no verified reports confirm a car accident involving Liverpool players outside Anfield on July 10, 2025, the club’s focus on securing a prolific striker has taken center stage, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike emerging as a standout target.

Ekitike, a 23-year-old French striker, has been linked with Liverpool as a potential replacement for Nunez, who is nearing a move to Napoli after a €55 million bid (including €5 million in bonuses) was rejected by the Reds, who value him at £70 million. Ekitike’s remarkable 2024/25 season, where he scored 22 goals in 48 appearances for Frankfurt, has positioned him as a “prolific forward” whose technical finesse, sharp dribbling, and composure align with Slot’s possession-based system. Reports from July 9, 2025, indicate Liverpool are actively discussing a potential €100 million move for Ekitike, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noting that the club’s pursuit hinges on finalizing Nunez’s exit. Ekitike’s readiness to “wait” for a move to Anfield underscores his appeal as a long-term investment for the Reds.

Nunez’s departure, driven by his inconsistent output—40 goals in 143 appearances since his £85 million transfer from Benfica in 2022—has left Liverpool seeking a more clinical finisher. Despite his effort and memorable moments, such as two late goals against Brentford that catalyzed Liverpool’s title charge, Nunez’s meager five Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season and limited starts under Slot (eight in the league) have prompted the club to consider offers. Napoli, looking to replace Victor Osimhen, who is set to join Galatasaray for €75 million, view Nunez as their “dream target,” though they are also exploring cheaper alternatives like Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca, valued at €40 million.

Ekitike’s profile offers a timely reminder of what Liverpool need: a striker capable of consistent goal-scoring to complement new signings like Joao Pedro and potentially Florian Wirtz, the latter being Liverpool’s most expensive acquisition. Unlike Nunez, whose physicality often outshone his finishing, Ekitike’s 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 games for Frankfurt suggest a more polished fit for Slot’s system, which prioritizes structure and precision over Jürgen Klopp’s transitional-heavy approach. Posts on X from July 10, 2025, highlight Liverpool’s shift toward Ekitike as their pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, another 40-goal striker, faces challenges due to his £100 million-plus valuation.

Liverpool’s striker shortlist also includes Osimhen, though he is not Slot’s top priority, and a potential swap deal involving Nunez and Federico Chiesa has been floated. The Reds’ need for a senior striker is urgent, given Jota’s passing and Nunez’s likely exit, which could leave them without a proven No. 9. Ekitike’s recent form, coupled with his youth and adaptability, makes him a compelling option, though competition from other Premier League clubs could complicate negotiations. As Liverpool prepare for their pre-season opener against Preston on July 13, 2025, securing a striker like Ekitike could define their ambitions to defend the Premier League title and compete in the Champions League.