Why Replacing Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool Poses a Risky Gamble

Subsequent medical assessments revealed a ruptured Achilles, forcing Ekitike to sit out this summer’s World Cup as well as the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Ekitike’s absence will be felt

Following a season plagued by underachievement for the Reds, this setback is another harsh blow for Arne Slot, particularly given Ekitike’s impressive form during the 2025/26 season.

His tally of 17 goals and six assists across all competitions starkly contrasts with Alexander Isak’s meagre contributions of three goals and one assist, and Mo Salah’s 12 goals along with nine assists.

While Isak has battled his own injury troubles, he has struggled to make an impact when given opportunities.

For a player who commanded a British record fee of £125m, having registered just five touches against PSG is utterly unacceptable.

Isak must elevate his performance

It seems Isak will remain at the club this summer, as Liverpool hopes he can deliver during the upcoming year. However, a more urgent question now arises: who will the Reds pursue to fill Ekitike’s void?

Any new signing must be skilled enough to perform immediately while also recognising that they may face considerable rotation when Ekitike returns, assuming Isak finds his form at long last.

Initial chatter suggests that Anthony Gordon of Newcastle might be heading to Anfield, although he would likely serve as more of a replacement for Salah rather than Ekitike, given their respective positions.

Other potential candidates include Randal Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham from PSG, young FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju, and Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.

Three candidates to consider

Each player offers unique qualities and, depending on budget, would arrive at various price points. So, what might Liverpool expect from any of the trio?

In terms of goals and assists for the current season, Kolo Muani boasts five goals and four assists across all competitions (with only one of each in the Premier League), while Franculino has netted 22 goals and provided four assists. Kroupi has tallied 10 goals, with no assists.

Two of the three candidates possess Premier League experience, which could influence Liverpool’s decision-making. Nevertheless, Franculino’s remarkable scoring consistency certainly merits consideration.

When evaluating what each player could contribute, Kolo Muani’s shot accuracy of 27.3% raises eyebrows, along with subpar passing statistics.

He has only completed 249 passes throughout the entire season—over 1,000 less than multiple players in the Tottenham roster—with a passing accuracy of just 69.9%, one of the lowest rates in the squad.

Liverpool require a proven goalscorer

His success rate in one-on-one duels, at 32.6%, is the poorest among all Tottenham players. Despite that, he has successfully regained possession on 54 occasions; however, Liverpool does not need a ball-winner but a reliable goalscorer.

Kroupi has certainly garnered attention for his goal-scoring prowess this season, with both Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly monitoring his situation.

Still not yet 20, he has matched the goal tally of Antoine Semenyo prior to the latter’s transfer to Manchester City.

Will youth and experience play a role?

Kroupi’s impressive shot accuracy of 70% is industry-leading, and his 74.5% pass completion serves as an upgrade over Kolo Muani’s showing. In his role at Bournemouth, he has considerably assisted in their push for European qualification.

However, he has also struggled to win his one-on-one battles, with a mere 29.5% success rate from the Bournemouth players attempting over 100 duels this season.

While Kolo Muani’s youth leaves room for improvement, it may also come into play during Slot and the Liverpool board’s deliberation on recruitment.

Franculino remains a bit of an enigma at this stage, but FC Midtjylland is so confident in his abilities that they anticipate receiving a Danish record €25m should they be compelled to sell him.

Looking at the advantages and disadvantages

Earlier this year, a potential January transfer fell through due to injury, yet Kroupi’s figures this season are impressive.

His 22 goals outstrip anyone else in the Midtjylland squad by at least 10, even accounting for his absence from 14 matches, and a shot accuracy of 72.3% is commendable.

The main uncertainty rests with his ability to adapt to a more physically demanding league.

There are evident pros and cons with all three potential signings, yet Liverpool must act decisively in the summer transfer window.