Journalist Confirms Liverpool ‘100%’ Want to Sign Forward This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Focus: A New Striker and Left-Back Top the List

After winning the Premier League title, Liverpool are looking to build a new era under Arne Slot, and it’s clear that the club’s recruitment drive this summer will be both decisive and strategic. According to an insightful report by Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, the Reds are prioritising two key areas: striker and left-back.

This isn’t just idle speculation. “Liverpool want a striker – that is 100 per cent certain,” Steele writes. The club have struggled to find consistent goal-scoring form this season, and all signs suggest that this is the summer where that issue will be aggressively addressed.

Need for a Ruthless No. 9

Darwin Nunez’s future at Anfield looks increasingly uncertain after what has been described as “three up and down seasons.” Despite flashes of promise, his inconsistency in front of goal has left many frustrated. Diogo Jota, though a quality finisher when fit, has battled persistent injuries. And while Luis Diaz has stepped in as a false nine at times, his natural home remains on the wing.

Photo: IMAGO

As Steele rightly notes, “It is obvious why they want one – Darwin Nunez has not been good enough, Diogo Jota has struggled for form and fitness, while Luis Diaz is better as a left winger despite his best efforts as a No 9.”

In that context, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as “one to watch.” Though there are no guarantees yet, Liverpool’s scouting department appears to be tracking the French striker with serious interest. Steele adds that while names like Victor Osimhen have been floated, “I have not heard anything on that one yet,” suggesting the club may opt for a more cost-effective or versatile option.

Photo: IMAGO

Left-Back for the Future

Andy Robertson remains a trusted servant of the club, but at 31 years old and with his contract due to expire next year, Liverpool are sensibly planning for succession.

“Milos Kerkez could be joining this summer as Liverpool’s new left back,” Steele reports, referencing the Hungary international who has impressed at Bournemouth. The Reds’ interest in Kerkez was “first trailed… way back in November” by Mail Sport, and their pursuit continues.

Photo: IMAGO

Ajax’s Jorrel Hato has also been discussed, although Steele notes that “talk about him has cooled somewhat recently.” Virgil van Dijk, however, is reported to be “a big fan,” so it’s possible that discussions may be revived later in the window.

Dependence on Player Exits

While the intent to strengthen is clear, Liverpool’s level of activity will hinge on outgoings. “A lot is dependent on who leaves,” Steele says, highlighting the club’s need to “balance the books.” This suggests that we may see a domino effect — where departures could free up funds for deeper reinforcements, including a central defender, midfielder or wide attacker.

It’s a smart approach, one that reflects the club’s more measured financial strategy under new leadership.

Slot’s Philosophy Demands Evolution

Arne Slot has spoken openly about Liverpool’s need to start dominating games more comprehensively. According to the report, “the manager has discussed many times how Liverpool have not blown teams away – a lot of the wins have been by narrow scorelines – and often compared this to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who… used to win by bigger margins.”

It’s a subtle yet powerful insight. Liverpool under Klopp were known for intensity and comebacks; Slot appears to favour control and authority from start to finish — which explains the need for more cutting edge in the final third and dependable defenders to underpin transitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this update feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Arne Slot is clearly not here to coast on Klopp’s legacy — he’s already pushing to evolve the team and correct longstanding issues. We’ve all felt that sense of “what if” this past season — what if we had a proper No. 9? What if we weren’t relying on an ageing fullback to bomb up and down the pitch every week?

Seeing Hugo Ekitike linked brings back that thrill of unearthing raw, dynamic talent. He’s got pace, power and that swagger you want in a young striker — and if Slot can mould him, we could have a serious weapon on our hands. Milos Kerkez is another clever shout. Young, energetic, Premier League-tested — it’s the kind of signing that doesn’t break the bank but raises the ceiling.

This isn’t just about patching holes. It’s about setting up the next five years. And if we get the striker and left-back sorted early, we might finally see Liverpool dominating games in the Slot era, not just edging them.

Summer can’t come soon enough.YNWA.