Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike Deal Creates Clear Winners and Devastating Losers
Liverpool's summer transfer activity has been intense and Hugo Ekitiké represents their most recent marquee signing to join the club at Anfield.
The Merseyside outfit has invested heavily in the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt striker, completing the acquisition of their new permanent No.9. Following an outstanding 2024–25 campaign in the Bundesliga where he netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists, the 23-year-old has earned this significant move.
Most supporters at Anfield will welcome the arrival of this promising French striker, though not every Liverpool fan will be entirely pleased with Ekitiké's expensive transfer.
Below are those who benefit and those who suffer from Ekitiké's costly move.
Winner: Florian Wirtz
Part of what attracted Florian Wirtz to Liverpool was certainly the quality of his future teammates. The £116 million German playmaker ranks among the globe's finest midfielders and is entering a talented roster filled with elite players. Now, another outstanding performer has joined him at Anfield.
The creative midfielder will greatly profit from playing behind a conventional striker like Ekitiké, as Wirtz excelled when supporting both Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick during his time at Leverkusen. While he's an excellent scorer, he's an even superior playmaker, utilizing his mobility and refined technical skills to break down the most stubborn defensive units.
Having a classic No.9 ahead of him who can engage center-backs and create space will certainly allow Wirtz to excel in his favored areas around the penalty box. Feeding a player who can reliably find the net will also enhance his offensive statistics during a crucial first campaign with the Reds.
Loser: Darwin Núñez
Darwin Núñez clearly emerges as the primary casualty of Ekitiké's signing. The struggling Uruguayan has long been anticipated to depart the Reds this summer following three seasons of erratic performances—his poorest showing occurring under Slot last season—but Liverpool's newest acquisition has pushed him even further toward the exit.
Núñez was heavily connected to Napoli, but since the Italian club withdrew from negotiations, his prospects appear increasingly unclear. AC Milan reportedly remain interested in his services, while the Saudi Pro League continues as a potential option.
Nevertheless, Ekitiké's signing effectively concludes Núñez's Liverpool journey, with the 26-year-old ultimately unable to fulfill his promise despite occasional flashes of brilliance. While there was optimism that the Núñez project would succeed, the Reds must now acknowledge failure while seeking to recover some essential transfer funds.
Winner: Arne Slot
Arne Slot's ability to secure the Premier League championship in his inaugural season without a prolific 25-goal striker was largely due to Mohamed Salah's attacking excellence. The Egyptian contributed 29 goals and 18 assists in the league last season and will likely deliver similarly impressive numbers in 2025–26.
Nevertheless, Liverpool cannot depend on Salah indefinitely. The Reds are fortunate that the 33-year-old remains remarkably durable, but eventually they must prepare for life without him. It would benefit Slot to rotate the winger next season without worrying about a significant goal drought in his absence.
Ekitiké certainly provides Slot's Liverpool with greater unpredictability in this respect. Goals originating from multiple areas can only strengthen the team, with the French striker and his new teammate Wirtz providing two additional reliable scoring sources.
Should Slot successfully integrate Ekitiké quickly, Liverpool's offensive unit could become truly formidable.
Loser: Alexander Isak
Liverpool's interest in Isak was short-lived. The Reds were promptly discouraged from pursuing the Swedish striker by Newcastle, who clearly stated their unwillingness to part with their key forward. Whether he would have welcomed a move to Merseyside remains unclear, but that possibility has now disappeared for this transfer window.
Newcastle secured Champions League qualification last season and defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, demonstrating their elite status, but chances to join one of football's biggest institutions and England's most decorated club are rare.
Isak must now accept that a transfer to Merseyside is currently unavailable.