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It was only two years ago that Liverpool ended its pursuit of a particular Jude Bellingham. Reports at the time suggest that the potential cost of signing the British would exceed £100 million.
Perhaps there was much more to that story, but just a few months later, the Reds launched a £111 million mammoth bid for the signature of Brighton’s Moises Kayseko, although the Ecuadorians ultimately chose to join rival Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp’s previous claims, despite his claim that he was not interested in making such a costly move – the one he later held back row – showed that for the right players, the Anfield hierarchy wants to spend cash.
Certainly, Florian Wortz’s recent £116 million signature was an example, with two quiet years on the transfer front line that ended with the fashion of the statement.
If the previous famous deal costs anything – namely Virgil Vandic’s £75 million capture and Allison’s £67 million move – the Reds rarely make that wrong when they spend big.
German geniuses are likely to be the centre of a new era at Anfield, so now is the time for Richard Hughes and Co to build the perfect offense around him.
Latest search for Liverpool strikers
Darwin Nunes appears to have destined for Naples. Last season’s fake nine-year-old Louis Diaz is a subject of intense interest from Bayern Munich. If these exits are green lighting, then the Premier League champions certainly need to immerse themselves in the market again.
Of course, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isaac looks like a dream target, but with that deal falling outside the equation, Arne Slot may have to settle for the next best. Perhaps even the next Isaac, if it is.
Now, recent reports from Spain would suggest that Liverpool and Hughes are doing just that. With claims that the Reds are accelerating the movement of Eintrachat Frankfurt star Hugo Ekichike.
The proposal suggests that, although Chelsea and Manchester United, “to join the bid” for the 23-year-old also shows “strong interest” in the Frenchman in high demand.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man, valued at 100 million euros (£85 million), certainly wasn’t cheap, but the race is said to be “wide open,” but Liverpool is claimed to be ready to make the “first move.”
Forkout at a price close to the addition of previous club records, including Nunez add-ons, may have some supporters fearing the worst, but all indications point to proving a real hit, especially along with Wirtz.
Why Ekitike became Wirtz’s dream striker
Wirtz enjoyed another great individual campaign last time, gaining support in all competitions with 31 goals, but it was the previous year that Bayer Leverkusen truly enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
The German outfits memorable unbeaten domestic season as they reached the Europa League final.
A summary of Xabi Alonso’s devastating attack, Wirtz was unquestionable in the talents around him, namely the support of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface. The 24-year-old scored 21 times in 2023/24, of which 14-year-old played in just 23 Bundesliga games.
Florian Wirtz – Top Teammate | ||
---|---|---|
player | Game together | Joint goal participation |
Patrick Sick | 120 | 20 |
Amin name | 101 | 11 |
Mussa DV | 94 | 10 |
Alejandro Grimaldo | 91 | 10 |
Victor Boniface | 51 | 9 |
Jeremy Frimon | 150 | 8 |
Robert Andic | 120 | 7 |
Jonas Hoffman | 53 | 5 |
Exequiel Palacios | 109 | 4 |
Statistics through the Transfer Market |
Overall, with just 51 games, Wirtz and Boniface achieved nine goals. The former achieved more joint goal contributions with the other four players, albeit from almost double the number of games.
As pointed out on the Bundesliga official website during that double victory campaign, Boniface’s arrival “undoubtedly unleashed the full potential of German international offensive capabilities,” and the pair formed a special chemistry in the final third.”
Such a combination can be replicated quite a bit if Liverpool’s young Ekitique is brought into the fold. The former French U21 International has been pointed out to be a statistically similar player in the Bundesliga position, according to fbref.
That portrait is particularly seen in the threat posing in the final third, with Ekitique in the top 5% of shots per 90 and in the top 6% of attack penalty areas per 90. Boniface, on the other hand, ranks in the top 3% and top 8% on the same two metrics, respectively.
Such a single-minded streak doesn’t necessarily mean a selfish streak, but the Frankfurt man noticeably creates 12 “big chances” on top flights in Germany, according to his sofa score. Meanwhile, his Leverkusen counterpart registered eight “big chances” during that stunning 2023/24 season.
Ekitique is able to replicate Boniface’s influence as the man of Wharts when both leads both of the focus. Once Reams Starlet can be beautifully paired with the Germans in his talents, ranked in the top 8% of the Vandesliga for pass completion.
Called the “perfect centre forward” by TNT Sport Pundit Owen Hargreaves, the £85 million marksman could prove to be the “perfect” striker for Liverpool’s Wirtz…
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