Hugo Ekitike is finally on the cusp of completing his transfer to Liverpool.
Liverpool have been in the market for a new striker since the window first opened at the start of June.
And, while players such as Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo managed to fill in and do a solid job as strikers, their main number nine, Darwin Nunez, was miles off the pace.
This has resulted in questions being asked about the future of the Uruguayan and is one of the main reasons why Arne Slot has been looking for a new striker this summer.
Former West Ham coach Edu Rubio shares the reservations he has about Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike is still just 23 years old, and while he may have plenty of potential to fill, the 2024-25 campaign was the only season in which he has managed to score over 15 goals.
And, this may not have been much of a problem if his fee were somewhat cheaper, but the fact that Liverpool will be spending over £70million on him means that he needs to hit the ground running as soon as possible.
And, while speaking to BBC Sport, former West Ham United coach Edu Rubio gave his thoughts on the Reds’ move for the young Frenchman.
“He can be a great signing for Liverpool FC. He can play on his own at the front or in a front two. He can also drift to the wing. He is versatile and comes from 18 excellent months at Frankfurt,” he said.
“Ekitike excels in quick attacking transitions with his forward runs and his accuracy in dribbling with the ball at his feet. He can also do well in tight areas when his team is playing against a low block. His height will also come in handy for set pieces.
“There is, though, a question mark around whether Ekitike will manage to up his goals and assists and find consistent high figures in this department; as well as if he can deploy an aggressive high-press style since he has not been exposed to that at Frankfurt.
“However, he is a very exciting young French talent with huge potential to do very well in the Premier League. I am sure Arne Slot will also like his link-up play and ability to drop to help build the attack phase, as this is an area Liverpool introduced last year.
“So all in all, a good signing for the Reds.”
Arne Slot needs Hugo Ekitike to find his goal-scoring form at Anfield
Last season, Liverpool were overly reliant on Mohamed Salah’s goals and assists.
While the Egyptian King may be expected to top the Reds’ charts, last season he was on a different level.
The attacker may be 33 years old, but against all odds, it feels like he’s only getting better and better each year.
However, Slot can’t expect Salah to put in those sorts of numbers again, which is why some new attacking talent is needed.
If Ekitike hits the ground running and can become the regular-scoring number nine that Liverpool have needed for so long, the transfer of the Frenchman could be one of the most important of the summer.
That is, even if they are set to spend around £11million per year on wages to acquire Ekitike’s services.
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