Liverpool missing out on Hugo Ekitike could help them sign an even better ST

Liverpool are navigating one of the most crucial striker hunts of the Klopp era. With Darwin Núñez a flop by every conceivable metric, the Reds have started shopping him this summer. And with few reliable goal scorers available at the highest level, the club has begun exploring high-upside options who can both produce immediately and grow into world-class players.

One of the names that emerged is Hugo Ekitike, the young French striker at Eintracht Frankfurt. But as things stand, Ekitike looks more and more like a player bound for St. James’ Park. What might be a blow for Liverpool on the surface could actually be the opening they need to land a transformative talent—someone even better than the player they’re losing.

Hugo Ekitike slips from Liverpool’s grasp

Hugo Ekitike, 22, was identified by Liverpool as a promising target this summer. The former PSG forward impressed in the Bundesliga last season with 15 goals across all competitions, showcasing his speed, mobility, and instincts inside the box. According to reports, both Liverpool and Chelsea have expressed interest, but Newcastle are currently leading the race with a financial package that nearly meets Frankfurt’s valuation of around €90 million.

Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike is serious. They’re acting fast, and with their Saudi-backed resources, they’re expected to beat both Liverpool and Chelsea to the punch. Frankfurt are open to selling, and Ekitike is said to be open to the move.

Isak’s future could become uncertain

According to Mark Douglas of iNews, if Newcastle complete a deal for Ekitike, it could indirectly open up the market for Liverpool in a very different way. Douglas reports that with Ekitike, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Harvey Barnes all fighting for attacking spots, someone may have to leave. And that someone could be Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak: far more than a consolation prize

This is the part where things get exciting. Alexander Isak, 24, isn’t just a capable Premier League striker—he’s arguably one of the most complete forwards in Europe. Last season, he scored 21 Premier League goals in 30 appearances, despite battling minor injuries. His 0.81 goals per 90 minutes outpaced Erling Haaland’s 0.78 in the same category. And while Haaland had a better xG total, Isak’s clinical finishing and composure under pressure stood out.

He’s also more versatile than most No. 9s. He can drop deep, combine with midfielders, or isolate defenders out wide. At times, he looked like a more refined, technical version of Núñez—a player who understands tempo, decision-making, and space.

Why Isak would transform Liverpool

Liverpool need someone with Premier League pedigree, elite movement, and high-end technical quality. Isak checks every box. He would immediately upgrade the front line and allow Klopp to build fluid attacking triangles around him, especially with players like Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah still at the club.

By contrast, Darwin Núñez’s erratic finishing, poor link-up play, and inability to read space have become a drag on Liverpool’s attack. Replacing him with Isak would be a masterstroke. Isak already understands the pace and tactical demands of the league. His numbers last season weren’t just strong—they were elite.

A market twist to reshape Liverpool’s summer

It’s unlikely that Newcastle want to sell Isak. He’s under contract until 2028, and the club have reportedly placed a £150 million price tag on him. But transfers don’t always happen because clubs want them to. They happen because of opportunity, timing, and pressure.

If Ekitike arrives, Newcastle will have five players competing for two wide-forward roles and one central spot. With FFP concerns and other priorities to address, a large bid from Liverpool could test their resolve. Isak is by far their most valuable asset, and the money raised could fund multiple positions. That’s where Liverpool must be ready to strike.

Conclusion

It’s easy to frame losing out on Hugo Ekitike as a setback. But Liverpool may end up better off. Alexander Isak is already better than Ekitike in every category, and he’s proven it in the Premier League. If Newcastle open the door even slightly, Liverpool must burst through it.

This isn’t about finding a short-term replacement for Núñez. This is about signing a striker who can lead the line for the next five years. In that sense, missing out on Ekitike could become the best thing that happens to Liverpool all summer.