Fresh revelations have surfaced about a key video conversation between Liverpool boss Arne Slot and soon-to-be signing Hugo Ekitike — and it signals major changes at Anfield.
Despite reported interest in other strikers such as Jean-Philippe Mateta and Alexander Isak, it appears Slot has made his decision. Liverpool have agreed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to bring Ekitike to Merseyside, with an initial transfer fee of £69 million and an additional £10 million in performance-related add-ons.
The 22-year-old French forward is expected to arrive for his medical in the coming days before penning a six-year contract. He is set to join the squad during their pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
According to French publication L’Équipe, Slot personally reached out to Ekitike via a video call to outline his vision — a move that played a significant role in the striker’s decision to snub other suitors such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle.
During the conversation, Slot reportedly laid out his tactical approach — a shift toward a 4-2-3-1 formation. He emphasized the need for a dynamic and technically gifted striker who can not only lead the line but also link play and drop into deeper spaces — attributes Ekitike is believed to possess.
Interestingly, the report also suggests that Darwin Núñez doesn’t fit into this reshaped tactical system. Despite performing well in recent pre-season matches, the Uruguayan forward may no longer be part of the long-term project under Slot.
Clubs like Napoli and teams from Saudi Arabia are reportedly monitoring Núñez’s situation closely.
Ekitike, reportedly impressed by Slot’s detailed plan and clear direction, is now set to take on the role of Liverpool’s new attacking spearhead — potentially signaling the end of Núñez’s time at Anfield.
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