€80m Forward Confirmed as Darwin Nunez’s Likely Replacement

Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool appears to be coming to an end, with a clear successor already in line to take over his position.

The Uruguayan forward has struggled to leave a lasting impression at Anfield, not living up to the high expectations set upon his arrival. While the club decided to retain him during the January transfer window, Nunez has since fallen out of favor under Arne Slot’s leadership. According to reports from Anfield Watch, he is expected to be one of several notable departures this summer.

With Nunez’s exit looking likely, attention now turns to finding his replacement as Liverpool’s new No. 9. Slot’s tactical system values forwards who not only score goals but also work tirelessly for the team, creating space and contributing to offensive play—similar to Jurgen Klopp’s approach.

One player who fits this mold is Hugo Ekitike. The French forward’s performances for Eintracht Frankfurt this season have caught the eye. Bundesliga data reveals that he has covered over 209 kilometers, averaging more than 11 kilometers per 90 minutes, which showcases his work rate. With a top speed of 35.53 km/h, he ranks among the league’s quickest, matching Slot’s requirement for high-pressing intensity.

Ekitike’s offensive contributions further support his candidacy. He has scored 18 goals across all competitions and holds the second-highest expected goals (xG) in the Bundesliga, just behind Harry Kane. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Ekitike’s adaptability allows him to drift wide and create opportunities for his teammates, a key trait in Slot’s tactical framework.

His technical skills are also noteworthy, as he completes 2.00 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, a figure only surpassed by Luis Diaz in Liverpool’s current squad. Furthermore, his 3.67 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes would place him ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s lineup.

Frankfurt is reportedly open to selling Ekitike for around €80m, a potentially great deal considering his talent. Liverpool has been tracking the striker since his breakout season at Reims, making him a strong candidate to succeed Nunez.