Liverpool has noticed over the past few weeks that they have linked to Real Madrid’s Rodrigo’s move, but sports director Richard Hughes reportedly hopes the Reds will sign the latest high-pitched winner.
“Ready” for Premier League steps
Liverpool is not taking place on the transfer front, but Hugo Ekitique represents a big standout in the list of impressive receptions.
Alongside Florian Wirtz, the French arrived for a big buck from Bundesliga, bringing Reds spending closer to the £300 million mark. After sealing off a move worth £69 million, the potential add-on will be under pressure after sealing off a move of £10 million, but Ekitike is ready to take the Premier League steps.
The talented striker told Liverpool’s official website: “I think that was the right moment. I came to Bundesliga Hungry. I wanted to show that I’m a good player and can make a difference on the pitch.
“I think I was fine last season. Now I feel like I’m ready to take a bigger step, play at the highest level, improve myself and see what I can do. So that’s the right time for me and the perfect moment to come here.”
The new arrival led to direct action, and he had already met his new teammate on Liverpool’s Hong Kong preseason tour. Alongside the fresh faces of Arne Slot’s team, Ekitike is eager to run to the ground.
Meanwhile, returning to Merseyside, Liverpool may not be made on an incoming call. Liverpool reportedly turned to signing Swedes to a package that costs £250 million, including agents’ fees and wages, following news that Alexander Isaac had asked him to leave Newcastle United.
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The Reds could lose key players.
The Reds were then able to focus on replacing Luis Diaz when they left for Bayern Munich. And Hughes already has his preferred options in mind, and he has in mind doing just that.
Hughes now wants Bradley Barcola in place of Rodrigo
As ESPN reported, Hughes is currently hoping to sign Bradley Barcola, who has come to Liverpool as a Rodrigo replacement, but the transfer chief also understands that it is unlikely that a deal will take place this summer to welcome the Paris Saint-Germain star.
The Frenchman just won the treble at PSG and played his part in the first-ever Champions League success. So, inviting him from Parc des Princes and negotiating a deal with PSG could prove to be a tough challenge ahead of next season.
But one factor that allows the Reds to leave the door ajar to dive is the amount of competition over location in the way of Paris’ Barcola. The 22-year-old must compete for a spot with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
League statistics 24/25 (via FBREF) | Barcola | Rodrigo |
|---|---|---|
Min | 2,181 | 1,928 |
the goal | 14 | 6 |
assist | 10 | 5 |
Key Pass | 50 | 49 |
Given how impressive the Frenchman was on PSG last season, it’s obvious to see why Hughes wants Barcola for Rodrigo. A player who described Jacek Kulig as “exciting,” Barcola will thrive at Anfield.