Ekitike starts, Diaz missing – How Liverpool could line up v Bournemouth
Arne Slot is preparing for Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the season against Bournemouth.
The Reds have already completed plenty of business this summer, most notably the signing of Florian Wirtz for £116million.
However, incomings and outgoings at Anfield don’t seem to be finished yet, with Liverpool still looking to potentially seal the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt.
Now, Liverpool News takes a look at how Slot’s side could line up when they host Bournemouth at Anfield (15 August) in their first Premier League game of the season.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to make their debuts
Having lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid this summer, new signing Jeremie Frimpong is in line to make his Premier League debut in the Reds’ opening match against Bournemouth.
The Dutchman won’t be a nailed-on starter straight away, with Conor Bradley impressing at wing-back last season, but with the Reds kicking the next campaign off at Anfield, it is an ideal chance for supporters to get a glimpse of their new man.
Their opener is also an opportunity for Milos Kerkez to say hello to a few former teammates after he signed from the Cherries earlier in the summer.
Meanwhile, the familiar trio of Alison, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely form the defensive core.
Ekitike to sign for the Reds
While the midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to keep their places, with Florian Wirtz settling for a place on the bench as he looks to acclimatise to English football, there could be some key changes in attack.
Ekitike’s transfer is now a priority for Liverpool, and this could spell the end for Darwin Nunez at Anfield.
Nunez has been linked with Napoli and Saudi Arabia this summer as he doesn’t look to be in Slot’s plans.
| Appearances (2024/25 season) | Hugo Ekitike |
| Appearences | 33 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 8 |
Ekitike would offer clinicalism as well as physicality up top for the Reds, something that the Uruguayan failed to show since signing from Benfica.
Meanwhile, the French striker notched 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga matches last season and looks to be on an upward curve. It’s understood that Ekitike would cost Liverpool around £80million.
Rodrygo to replace Luis Diaz
Slot will reportedly make a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo should the Reds sell Luis Diaz.
The Colombian is said to be willing to leave Liverpool, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona among the teams interested.
Diaz has become a fan favourite on Merseyside since signing from Porto in 2022 and has been crucial to Liverpool’s success in recent seasons. Should he leave, Slot will look to replace him with Rodrygo.
The Brazilian winger is unsettled in the Spanish capital, after a dip in form last season has put him down the pecking order in Xabi Alonso’s side.
The 24-year-old does possess plenty of top-level experience and has developed a knack for scoring important goals in the UEFA Champions League.
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