Liverpool have got MAJOR reservations over £84m Bundesliga target

Liverpool are planning an extensive attacking overhaul in the upcoming transfer window. We could see Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez move out of the club having failed to win over Arne Slot with their efforts in the No9 position.

Jota, 28, has got two years left on his contract but has struggled for consistent fitness throughout his Anfield career. Bids could be heard for the Portugal international - and Liverpool are reported to be prepared to settle for around £50m.

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Nunez, meanwhile, is the club’s most expensive signing in history at £85m. But it’s not worked out for the Uruguay international since moving from Benfica in 2022 - although he can now count himself a Premier League champion.

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Several clubs are thought to be in the running for Nunez - with Saudi Pro League sides, Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid all named as potential suitors.

It could take a bid of £75m to dislodge the 25-year-old, with the Reds seeking to make as much money back on Nunez as possible.

Ekitike on Liverpool radar

Some of the names linked with replacing Jota and Nunez include Alexander Isak, Jonathan David and Joao Pedro. One more on the list stretching back to Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club is Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool wanted to sign the Frenchman when he was still at Reims in 2022 - but he opted to go to Paris Saint-Germain instead. The forward had trouble settling in the French capital but has done well to re-align his career in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 22-year-old has scored 15 league goals for the Waldstadion side this term - adding seven assists - and has been tipped to move on this summer.

Liverpool retain an interest and, according to GIVEMESPORT, are expected to attend the German top-flight contest between Frankfurt and Freiburg this weekend.

Club scouts will assess Ekitike’s suitability in person as Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes contemplate big changes in the No9 position at Anfield.

Ekitike is under contract at Frankfurt until 2029 - meaning Dino Toppmoller’s side are very well protected from a transfer fee point of view.

Liverpool don't want to pay £84m for Ekitike

In fact it’s been reported that they will seek €100m (£84m) before considering releasing Ekitike this year. And, according to the same report, that’s not necessarily a price Liverpool are willing to pay.

“His £84million price tag could prove to be a stumbling block,” a report states.

“The Frenchman still has four years remaining on a contract worth close to £82,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, which could complicate matters for the Reds and other interested parties as it has enabled Eintracht Frankfurt to set lofty demands in an attempt to deter suitors from lodging a bid.

“Liverpool have major reservations over whether Ekitike is worth his current valuation but they are still planning to monitor his performance in the decisive clash against fourth-placed Freiburg ahead of potentially heading to the negotiating table in the coming weeks.”

If Liverpool are unsuccessful in getting the price down then they could move on to other targets - including Lille striker David who is out of contract this summer and would attract no fee at all.

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This report suggests that a deal for Ekitike is not as far advanced as many might think. Liverpool are still in the “weighing up” phase and on the money mentioned, it doesn’t appear they are leaning towards paying the price.