Liverpool Coret Jean-Philippe Mateta from Transfer List, Arne Slot Chooses This Player to Strengthen The Reds

The Shiro Copr –Liverpool has finally made a firm decision in their pursuit of a new striker for this summer. Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Crystal Palace forward who was previously linked with The Reds, is not the main target of the Merseyside club.

Their current focus is on Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. This move shows a new direction taken by Liverpool's management under coach Arne Slot. Especially after various names have emerged in the club's efforts to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Liverpool has been quite active in this summer transfer window. Several names have successfully arrived at Anfield. Among them are Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

However, one position that is still considered not optimal is the central striker. After Darwin Núñez had a fluctuating season with minimal goal contributions in crucial moments, Liverpool is reportedly seeking a sharp striker who can make an immediate impact.

Some names were later linked, including Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. However, Liverpool's efforts were blocked by Newcastle's firm stance of refusing to release the striker.

As a result, The Reds' attention has now completely shifted to Hugo Ekitike. The young striker from Eintracht Frankfurt is considered a more realistic and promising option.

Ekitike at the Threshold of Migration

The certainty that Liverpool is seriously pursuing Ekitike has strengthened after Eintracht Frankfurt's coach Dino Toppmoller did not include the player in a friendly match against FSV Frankfurt. Many people consider Ekitike's absence a strong signal that the transfer process is underway.

According to a report from the media Football Insider , Liverpool has reached a full agreement with Frankfurt to bring in Ekitike. The agreed transfer fee is 95 million Euros (approximately 82.3 million British pounds or equivalent to Rp 1.7 trillion), including additional bonuses.

The same source also mentioned that the progress in the Ekitike negotiations made Liverpool decide to remove Mateta's name from the summer transfer priority list.

"Liverpool will focus more on Ekitike, and this transfer practically closes the door for Mateta to join Anfield," reported the article. Football Insider .

Mateta: Good Performance That Isn't Enough to Attract

Although, according to the statistics, Mateta cannot be underestimated. The French striker has been consistent throughout the 2024/25 season with Crystal Palace, scoring 17 goals in 46 matches across all competitions. Of these, 14 goals came from 37 appearances in the Premier League.

This performance has made Mateta a target for several big clubs, including Manchester United and AC Milan. However, Liverpool apparently consider that Mateta is still too far down the list of strikers they are targeting, especially with Ekitike seen as more suitable to Arne Slot's preferred playing style.

With this decision, Mateta's future remains uncertain. Although Liverpool has withdrawn from the race, Crystal Palace is believed to still have to prepare to lose the player if a big offer comes from another club.

Mateta is still under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027. However, the London club is also in a difficult position because two of its key players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze, are also being targeted by major European teams.

On the other hand, Frankfurt seems to confirm that Ekitike will definitely leave soon. Not only through the striker's absence in the friendly match, but also from Toppmoller's statement that the club is currently evaluating the situation of the player being targeted by a big club.

Ekitike is known as a young striker with complete abilities. He once caught attention while playing for PSG, although he eventually struggled to get regular playing time. His move to Frankfurt made his performance shine again.

In the Bundesliga last season, the 23-year-old player scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists, and demonstrated the ability to play in various forward positions. This flexibility is believed to be the main reason why Liverpool fell in love with the French player.

Arne Slot's Strategy Begins to Show

Since replacing Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot has indeed tried to shape a new identity within Liverpool. He tends to target young players who can develop within the intense playing system.

Names like Wirtz and Frimpong are evidence that Liverpool is rebuilding the squad's foundation with a long-term vision. Adding Ekitike will quickly strengthen this philosophy: fast, young, and technical.

Meanwhile, the omission of Mateta's name can also be read as a signal that Liverpool does not want to merely buy players based on goal statistics alone, but also considers system compatibility and long-term potential.

Although Mateta is no longer on Liverpool's target list, it doesn't mean the striker will stay at Crystal Palace next season. The transfer window is still open until the end of August, and many clubs need an experienced striker like him.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans are now just waiting for the time to officially welcome Ekitike. If nothing stands in the way, the young French striker will become an important piece in Arne Slot's new project at Anfield.

Will this decision bring Liverpool back on the path to victory? Time will tell. One thing is certain, Mateta must look for another port, while Ekitike prepares for a new chapter in his career.