Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Who Will Replace Darwin Nunez? Liverpool Eye Isak, Ekitike, and Mateta

With Nunez’s future uncertain, Liverpool weigh blockbuster moves for Isak, Ekitike, or Mateta.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Darwin Nunez after struggling few seasons is reportedly looking for an exit from Merseyside. Napoli emerging as one of the favourites, the Uruguayan striker might have played his last game in a Liverpool shirt already.

With the position upfront in Arne Slot’s squad opening, Liverpool has identified some of the elite strikers in their recruiting list. Alexander Isak who’s future with the Magpies remain uncertain is a potential favourite to join Slot in the coming season.

In the recent reports, Newcastle is aiming to keep Isak at St. James’ Park in the coming season. Liverpool who will need a striker is said to be keeping a close watch on the Swedish striker’s decisions. However, Liverpool have also identified alternatives for Isak as thingd escalate in the transfer window.

Like if you think Mateta would COOK at Liverpool pic.twitter.com/wU0jlkZMZ4
— Hamy (@LFC_Hamy) July 14, 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta: The Cost-Effective Option

With Isak not being a sure deal, Liverpool have set their eyes on an economical alternative comparatively. As per the latest reports, the Reds have met with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and his representatives in recent days in Paris.

The French forward after having a successful campaign with Palace could make a huge leap with the stars align. Fans around the internet have shown disagreement of the pursuit. Stressing on the dropped targets from Alexander Isak to Hugo Ekitike, posts from X suggest Liverpool fans are not really pleased with these reports. However, not all responses are negative as fans also realise the talents of Mateta.

A fan in response to the backlash on X wrote, “Mateta scores 25 goals minimum in this Liverpool team. Can’t believe the snobbery I’m seeing towards this potential move.” As plenty of other fans showed their support while negotiations still go on.

Liverpool’s striker transfer saga is reaching a critical phase as the Reds weigh their options to replace Darwin Nunez. With Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Mateta emerging as prime targets. But Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike and their financial constraints could either unlock or complicate a potential deal.

Ekitike’s high price tag and Mateta’s cost-effective appeal offer Liverpool strategic flexibility, yet rival interest and Profit and sustanilibility rules add layers of complexity.

Alexander Isak

Crystal Palace

Hugo Ekitike

Jean Philippe-Mateta

Liverpool

Transfer News

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!