He's like Isak: Liverpool make approach for "monster" £84m Sesko alternative

Alexander Isak is a striker who has been a key target for Liverpool over recent months, with the Swede certainly likely to be on their radar once again this summer.

The 25-year-old has been a clinical option in the Premier League this campaign, registering 23 goals in his 33 appearances, offering Eddie Howe’s side a key presence in their quest for Champions League football.

He’s also starred against the Reds throughout 2024/25, scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

However, if the Merseyside outfit were to make a move and land the talisman during the off-season, they would have to fork out a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding £150m for his signature.

Such a figure would likely price the club out of a potential deal, leading to potential alternatives in the market, with numerous players already on their list ahead of the upcoming window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over the last couple of days, with the Slovenian catching the eye with his tally of 21 goals in his 45 outings.

It was reported earlier this week that the club were ready to enter talks to land the 21-year-old, seeing him as an option to improve the players currently at his disposal.

However, he’s not the only Bundesliga attacker in the sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest name mentioned for a move to Anfield, according to French outlet RMC Sport.

The report states that the Reds have already made an approach for the 22-year-old, who’s registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25 in all competitions.

It also claims that he’s allowed to leave the German outfit during the upcoming window if anyone matches the €100m (£84m) valuation they’ve placed on his head.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Isak

A striker is evidently a priority for Liverpool this summer, as seen by the recent targets, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land the right option for Slot.

In the past, they’ve spent heavily on a talisman, as seen with the signing of Darwin Núñez back in 2022, with the Uruguayan costing a club-record £85m.

However, it’s safe to say the move to Anfield has been a disappointment, registering just 40 goals in his 142 appearances on Merseyside – with just seven of which coming this campaign.

Such form has led to links away from Anfield this summer, which will undoubtedly result in a hefty loss on the fee paid for his signature, but could pave the way for a new centre-forward.

From the recent names mentioned, Ekitike would be a better signing than Sesko, outperforming him in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Frenchman would also be the club’s own Isak, being comparable to the Swede by FBref and matching or bettering the figures produced by the Newcastle star in numerous key areas.

Ekitike, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more shots and more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the constant threat he poses in attacking areas.

He’s also registered more shot-creating actions and completed more take-ons per 90, handing Slot a complete option in attacking areas, bolstering their chances of retaining their title.

The Frankfurt star has completed more passes and competed more progressive carries, subsequently able to aid other attackers when getting into the final third.

It would be another huge investment from the board, but it’s one that could play a huge part if they are successful once again in the years ahead.

Whilst Isak would be many fans’ main option this summer, Ekitike has proved that he’s capable of being an excellent talisman and possibly the Reds’ own version of the star.

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