Hugo Ekitike signs – Which attacker Slot could axe at Liverpool
Arne Slot has big decisions to make as Huge Ekitike’s move to Liverpool draws nearer.
Liverpool are on the verge of completing a deal for Ekitike after they stole ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign the French striker.
The 23-year-old would be Slot’s sixth signing of the summer, and would likely take their spending to over £250million in just over six weeks, with at least one centre-back still expected to join.
The profile and fee of the highly-rated striker will surely see him become a regular starter in the side, leaving Slot to decide which player he must axe to make room for the new arrival.
Slot to axe Darwin Nunez for Ekitike
After finding out that any move for Alexander Isak would be almost impossible to push through, Liverpool focused all their efforts on securing Ekitike, who is deemed the next best option.
The Reds will hope that he can become one of the best number nines in Liverpool’s rich history, and will be excited to see the partnership he can form with Florian Wirtz.
However, the move won’t be as positively received by Darwin Nunez, who could see his playing time reduced following the Frenchman’s arrival.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| Hugo Ekitike | 48 | 22 | 12 | 3,644′ |
| Darwin Nunez | 47 | 7 | 7 | 2,038′ |
The Uruguayan striker has struggled since arriving from Benfica for £64million in June 2022, both under Jurgen Klopp and Slot.
The 26-year-old possesses all the physical attributes necessary to make him a dangerous striker, but lacks the guile and finesse to find the back of the net consistently and has been criticised for continually missing big chances.
It is not for a want of trying, as Nunez is tireless in his efforts and offers a lot of running off the ball, but his play style does not suit Slot, who wishes to veer away from his predecessor’s transitional philosophy.
Ekitike is not only far more efficient in front of goal, but he appears to be more technically gifted, which will enable him to link up much better with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
As such, Slot is expected to axe Nunez this summer and attempt to sell him to recoup a chunk of the finances spent.
Ekitike will have massive pressure on his shoulders
While Ekitike is thought to be keen to join Liverpool, the striker’s arrival will not be without its challenges.
The Frankfurt star is joining the current Premier League champions and will no longer be a big fish in a small pond, as he has to find his place alongside superstars like Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
He will also be tested against much more formidable opposition, and will be expected to make an instant impact after the money Liverpool have spent this summer.
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