Darwin Nunez Delivers Stunning Response to Hugo Ekitike's Challenge as Liverpool Dominate Friendly
Just hours after reports flooded the media suggesting Liverpool's potential record-breaking signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké, Darwin Núñez delivered a timely reminder to the club that they already possess a capable No. 9.
Núñez netted an impressive 14-minute hat-trick in the first half as Liverpool demolished Stoke City 5–0 in a friendly match at their AXA training facility on Sunday afternoon. The closed-door encounter was essentially decided as a contest within the opening moments.
After collecting a wayward pass that new signing Florian Wirtz had aimed toward Dominik Szoboszlai, Núñez opened the scoring just six minutes into the match. The Championship outfit conceded two additional strikes from the Uruguayan striker before the 20-minute milestone.
Promising youngster Rio Ngumoha, who earned his second preseason appearance after featuring against Preston North End the previous weekend, extended the lead to 4–0 shortly thereafter. Manager Arne Slot made wholesale changes to his starting lineup at halftime and observed as Federico Chiesa found the net for the sole goal of the second period.
The timing proved significant for Núñez to rediscover his scoring touch—despite facing a preseason opponent that narrowly avoided relegation from England's Championship last season by just two points.
Liverpool are reportedly close to finalizing a deal valued at up to £82.3 million ($110.5 million) for Frankfurt's Ekitiké. Should the move materialize, the 23-year-old would rank as the third most costly acquisition in Liverpool's transfer history, trailing only this summer's signing Florian Wirtz and Núñez himself.
During his 2022 summer transfer from Benfica, Liverpool committed to an initial £64 million ($85.8 million) fee for Núñez, with the overall package potentially reaching £85 million ($114 million) through various performance clauses. Following a modest return of 40 goals across 143 matches, few would dispute that the signing has fallen short of expectations.
The Merseyside club has reportedly been attempting to recover a significant portion of their substantial investment. Napoli allegedly withdrew from pursuing the unpredictable forward after repeatedly encountering Liverpool's demanding valuation, though Saudi Pro League clubs are believed to maintain interest in Núñez. Liverpool continues to wait for a concrete proposal.
Should he maintain his impressive preseason form into official competition, Núñez might find himself competing with Ekitiké for a regular starting position at Anfield.