Liverpool transfer news: Could Hugo Ekitike arrival reshape Darwin Nunez’s future?

Will Liverpool’s deal for Ekitike affect Darwin Nunez’s future?
© Imago
Liverpool are set to bolster their attack with the signing of Hugo Ekitike, while considering Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz exits to balance summer spending.

Liverpool are continuing to bolster their attacking options during the current transfer window and are close to completing another addition. Hugo Ekitike has departed Eintracht Frankfurt to become the latest arrival at Anfield, joining Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez in Arne Slot’s new-look squad.

The 23-year-old French forward strengthens an already stacked offensive department that includes Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez — at least for now.



Darwin Nunez remains on the market

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool against Southampton, on March 8, 2025

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ekitike will cost the Reds more than €90m (around £76.1m), with the total potentially rising to €95m (£80.3m) with add-ons.

Liverpool had also previously shown interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, although the Magpies reportedly demanded over €100m (£84.5m). As part of their strategy to balance the books, Liverpool are believed to be open to selling Darwin Nunez, as reported by The Athletic.

That position is said to remain unchanged despite the relatively lower fee paid for Ekitike.

Nunez has been linked with Al-Hilal and Napoli this summer, and The Athletic report suggests that negotiations over a transfer are expected to progress soon. A move would help raise funds and could also be seen as a natural step given the Uruguayan’s inconsistency.

Signed from Benfica in January 2022 for €75m (around £63.4m), Nunez was brought in under Jurgen Klopp as a long-term successor to Roberto Firmino. However, the 25-year-old has struggled to fully convince, scoring 40 goals and registering 26 assists in 143 appearances. His current market value is thought to be around €45m (£38m).



Liverpool 'reject bid' for Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz of Liverpool celebrates his first goal to make it 1-0 during his side's Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, on November 5, 2024

Another possible departure could be Luis Diaz. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be interested, and the Colombian winger has reportedly informed Liverpool that he is open to a new challenge. However, the Reds turned down a €67.5m (£57m) offer from Bayern and have insisted they want to keep him.

Following the arrival of Ekitike, Liverpool have now spent over €303m (approximately £256m) during the current window. The club hope their heavy investment will bear fruit, with the former Frankfurt man reportedly only interested in joining Liverpool despite interest from elsewhere.

Ekitike signs a contract running until June 2031 after scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists in 64 games for the German side.

This article was originally published on Trivela.

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Written by
Andy Brent

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