Liverpool: Hugo Ekitike compared to Darwin Nunez as first 'medical tests' completed ahead of £79m transfer

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike has completed the main part of his Liverpool medical tests, the latest report has claimed.

The Reds' summer of spending looks set to continue, with the club having agreed a deal with Frankfurt for Ekitike worth an initial £69m, and that fee could rise to £79m.

Fans are excited about the prospect of the Frenchman establishing himself as the team's starting number nine, especially as current striker Darwin Nunez has consistently frustrated.

With a deal having been agreed, supporters are keenly anticipating his debut, which could take place on Saturday against AC Milan in Hong Kong.

Ekitike would have to complete his medical in order to have a chance of featuring, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the 23-year-old successfully passed the bulk of his tests on Tuesday, and he is set to sign for six years.

How does Ekitike compare to Nunez in terms of goals and assists?

Ekitike outperformed Nunez in front of goal last season, with the former scoring 22 times in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, while the latter netted on just seven occasions.

The French star also proved to be a creative threat having provided 12 assists, and his tally of eight league assists was the joint eighth most in the division, just four fewer than renowned creator Florian Wirtz (12).

Nunez only registered five assists, though it should be noted that he played just 2,058 minutes for Liverpool in 2024-25, whereas Ekitike played 3,618.

The duo arguably share similar finishing issues in the final third considering Ekitike's return of 15 Bundesliga goals meant he significantly underperformed his xG total of 21.6.

However, Ekitike has shown that he is capable of scoring high-probability chances near the six-yard box, while Nunez's shooting style is more erratic.

Does Ekitike fit Arne Slot's style of play more?

Reds boss Arne Slot has consistently spoken about his desire for Liverpool's striker to be a facilitator, and it is not surprising that he utilised a false nine last term to get the best out of wide attackers Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

Nunez is more of a traditional nine and prefers to operate on the last line of defence, while Ekitike is comfortable receiving passes in deeper zones.

In fact, the Frankfurt star attempted 22.6 passes per 90 in the Bundesliga in 2024-25, more than Nunez attempted in the Premier League (18.3).

It is not unreasonable to suggest that Ekitike would be more stylistically suited to playing as a striker under Slot, and it would be surprising if he was not the starting number nine next term.

Written by
Lewis Nolan