Brighton striker Joao Pedro and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike have reportedly emerged as possible targets for Liverpool during this summer’s transfer window.
The Reds are set to be in the market for a striker this summer, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart after three underwhelming years at Anfield.
Nunez, who said last month that he wanted to forget about his Liverpool plight during the international break, was the subject of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia during the January window but Arne Slot was unwilling to let him leave as the Reds chased glory on four fronts.
Liverpool expects there to be a strong market for Nunez this summer, when they should still be able to collect a decent fee to put towards his replacement.
Liverpool’s primary striker target is the Newcastle player Alexander Isak, but it is unclear whether Newcastle would be willing to sell him this summer, and even if the Magpies were open to cashing in on the Swede, he would cost a fortune.
The Reds’ data-driven approach to scouting players has reportedly seen them land on Pedro and Ekitike as possible alternatives to Isak. Pedro, 23, has registered eight goals and six assists in 25 Premier League outings this term, while Ekitike, 22, has registered 13 goals and four assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances.
GIVEMESPORT reports that there has been no contact between Liverpool and Newcastle regarding a possible transfer for Isak, with the report adding that the Reds will only move for the 25-year-old if they receive encouragement that a deal can be done.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is being linked with a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who was recently linked with a move to Liverpool as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah.
(Image: Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
It turns out Liverpool won’t be in the market for a Salah replacement this summer after it emerged that he is set to sign a two-year contract extension at Anfield, but Rodrygo was a surprise name that was mentioned as a possible signing earlier this year.
Fichajes says that Chelsea believes a $132 million bid would be enough to tempt Chelsea to sell the player, with the club convinced that it will be able to offer European soccer to Rodrygo next season.
The Stamford Bridge club is expected to win the Conference League, which would guarantee a place in the Europa League, but a player of Rodrygo’s caliber would no doubt demand to play in the Champions League. Chelsea is currently in fourth place in the Premier League table, and a top-five finish will be enough to secure a place in the Champions League next season.
