Report: Liverpool now want to sign striker who Leo Messi gave a special nickname after taking a liking to him

A position Liverpool might need to bolster come the summer transfer window is the all-important number nine role.

With Darwin Nunez looking likely to leave Liverpool, the only striker options at the Reds’ disposal will be Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz as well as youngster Jayden Danns — who is currently on loan at Sunderland.

While Diaz has impressed the most as a centre-forward this campaign, his natural position remains on the left-wing.

In any case, Arne Slot might require a new striker to come through the door as none of their current options have even score 10 goals in the Premier League this season.

Diaz has nine league goals to his name while Nunez just has four and Jota has scored only five, which is perhaps not only a true reflection of how prolific the former Wolves forward can be as an injury derailed his campaign mid-way.

Liverpool fans can be excited as it seems like they are doing work behind the scenes to bring in a fresh face to play up front.

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Liverpool interested in signing Hugo Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike is a name that is starting to be linked with a move to Anfield while Liverpool were targeting Marcus Thuram as well.

Joao Pedro was a transfer target for Liverpool as well, with the Brighton & Hove Albion marksman having an excellent campaign under Fabian Hurzeler.

But Foot Mercato have revealed that Liverpool are especially impressed by Ekitike, who has 17 goals and six assists to his name in all competitions this season.

The report mentions that Arsenal and West Ham United are interested in signing the Frenchman as well.

Ekitike is one of Europe’s deadliest strikers currently, who was especially thriving after forming a devastating partnership with now-Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush.

Known for his lethal finishing, silky first touch and quick footwork, Ekitike would certainly suit Liverpool, who have preferred to line up with a mobile front three since Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge.

How Lionel Messi used to feel about Hugo Ekitike at PSG

Back in 2022, L’Equipe reported that Lionel Messi took quite a liking to the 22-year-old when the pair played together.

So much so that Messi even gave Ekitike a nickname by dubbing him as “iron rod.”

The Argentine great’s reason for doing so is because the pacey striker has quite a wiry frame.

Furthermore, Messi took on the role of a mentor for the young Ekitike at the time.

The World Cup winner’s stamp of approval could perhaps prompt Liverpool to make a move for the in-form goalscorer in theory.

But only time will reveal how serious the Merseyside-based club’s interest really is.