After the departure of Mohamed Salah was confirmed just a couple of weeks ago, Liverpool fans were left questioning how they would replace the Egyptian.
The 33-year-old has been the Reds’ main talisman in the Premier League over the last eight years, even playing a huge role in their title success during Arne Slot’s debut campaign.
However, their issues became a lot bigger on Tuesday night, after summer addition Hugo Ekitiké was stretchered off during the Champions League defeat to PSG.
The Frenchman has been Slot’s main forward threat during the current campaign, with his tally of 17 goals across all competitions the highest of any player in the squad.
Medical tests have concluded that the 23-year-old has suffered a ruptured achilles, which is set to rule him out for nine months – also increasing the need for added attacking reinforcements this window.
Liverpool make approach to sign big-money Premier League star
In the immediate aftermath of Ekitike’s injury, the Liverpool hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying potential options to replace the injured attacker.
Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure is just one player who’s appeared in their sights as a result, with the Reds already reaching out to the Bundesliga side over a potential summer deal.
It’s been reported that a fee in the region of £42m would be required to land the 20-year-old, who’s registered 11 combined goals and assists so far this term.
However, despite the interest in securing a move for Toure, Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon is another player who the club could make a move for during the off-season.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have already made an approach to the Magpies over a possible deal for the 25-year-old who’s scored 17 times during the current campaign.
The report also states that Slot’s men aren’t alone with their pursuit, as Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also made checks over the availability of the England international.
Previous claims have stated that Eddie Howe’s side could allow the attacker to depart for a fee in the region of £75m this window – a potential bargain for any interested party.
Why Gordon would be the perfect Ekitike replacement
As previously mentioned, it’s a bitter blow for Liverpool to lose Ekitike, with the Frenchman certainly the best signing out of the club’s £450m spending spree last summer.
The 23-year-old now faces a long road to recovery in the months ahead, with Slot desperately needing to find an immediate solution after the extent of his injury was confirmed.
Cody Gakpo will likely be one senior player who could step up to the plate and provide cover, but it’s safe to say the Dutchman has once again failed to impress when handed the chance to start.
He’s only scored eight times in his 30 Premier League appearances this season, with the fans growing frustrated with his struggles over the last few months.
As a result, Ekitike has often been asked to operate off the left-hand side of the attack to try and produce the goods and form a new trio within the final third.
However, a move for Gordon could offer Slot the left-wing addition he’s craved, subsequently softening the blow felt by the Frenchman’s long-term injury.
The Englishman has matched Ekitike’s goal tally throughout the ongoing campaign, with his underlying stats also proving he’s capable of being the Reds’ next talisman.
Anthony Gordon – PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
26
Goals & assists
8
Pass accuracy
82%
Shots on target
1.1
Shot on target accuracy
42%
Chances created
1.3
Big chances created
0.3
Successful dribbles
1.6
Gordon, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by analyst Tom Williams, has registered 1.1 shots on target per 90, subsequently doing so any an accuracy rate of 42%.
The latter of the two aforementioned stats ranks him in the top 5% of attackers in the Premier League this season – demonstrating he has the clinical ability to replace the injured Frenchman.
He’s also created 1.3 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.3 of which being defined as big chances – tallies which could allow him to help former teammate Alexander Isak finally thrive at Anfield.
Gordon’s ability to glide past the opposition is also similar to that of Ekitike, as seen by his tally of 1.6 successful dribbles per 90 this season, whilst also achieving a 47% success rate in that department.
The Englishman has constantly proved to be a live wire to countless teams in England’s top-flight, resulting in the attacker being fouled 2.1 times per 90 this season.
£60m for the signature of the Newcastle star could prove to be excellent business for Liverpool, with the 25-year-old having the opportunity to reach the next level in his career on Merseyside.
The injury to Ekitike would open the door for Gordon to become a first-team regular and finally lead the Reds back up the Premier League table during 2026/27.
However, given the interest from the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on yet another transfer target.
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Dream Ekitike replacement: £80m England star a priority target for Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike has suffered a long-term injury which could prompt action in the transfer market for Liverpool.