UPDATE : Hugo Ekitike’s Liverpool return should come with a bonus

Hugo Ekitike’s Liverpool return should come with a bonus January signing

Liverpool fans are hoping to see Hugo Ekitike again soon, as the Frenchman nears the end of his recovery timeline.

Ekitike ruptured his Achilles in April, with reports consistently suggesting that he is likely to be available in the

Although it will be fantastic to add him to an attack which is not yet firing on all cylinders under Andoni Iraola, patience will still be needed. After such a serious injury, Liverpool probably won’t see the best from Ekitike until next season.

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Rushing him back in will be of no use to anybody, but in his absence it has become clear just how little depth Liverpool have in their central striker role. Lewis Koumas has played second-fiddle to Alexander Isak, but the Welsh youngster is clearly not of the required quality to be a long-term option. Ekitike obviously is, but he may not show that immediately upon his return.

As a result, Liverpool need to do everything they can to ensure the 24-year-old can be eased back in without having to be too heavily relied upon. Koumas is not the answer, and Isak’s fitness record remains a concern. So, with the January window looming, the Reds should be looking to capitalise on Endrick’s developing situation at Real Madrid and bring him in to lift the burden on Ekitike to hit the ground running.

Liverpool should add Endrick in January

Thankfully, Liverpool have seen a revitalised Isak this season, and there is no reason why the No. 9 cannot stay fit and keep firing in the goals throughout the rest of the campaign.

Nevertheless, they can’t play him in each and every game. With Liverpool hoping to be competing in four competitions by January, Isak will need to be protected and rested in certain games. The drop-off to Koumas is huge, and though Cody Gakpo and even Federico Chiesa can fill in, they are no Isak’s themselves. Ekitike will make a difference to that, but he will not be match fit for a while.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed the possibility that Endrick will be available either for a loan or permanent deal in January, with the Brazilian unhappy with his playing time at Real Madrid.

Madrid do not want to let him leave, but, according to Romano, an exit could happen if Endrick himself pushes for it. Liverpool made enquiries over Endrick in the summer but were knocked back at the time. With the 20-year-old now potentially on the market, he could provide an injection of quality to help Liverpool at No. 9 and on the right wing.

“We have to clarify something about Endrick, there have been many rumours over recent days,” Romano told his YouTube channel on Friday.

“The reality is that Jose Mourinho wants Endrick to stay. He doesn’t want to weaken the squad in the January transfer window. At the same time, for Endrick to play is important. In December there will be conversations.

“Milan called in August between owner [of Milan] and agents of Endrick to tell them that if he leaves in January or any other moment, we are interested. Roma are also keen.

“Aston Villa and Liverpool called last summer, but then Liverpool signed Bradley Barcola. Obviously they are different players, but Liverpool invested big money. Many rumours about Arsenal, but Arsenal are not in active conversations for Endrick, so now we have to follow the next steps.

“But at the moment, Mourinho and Real Madrid want him to stay. This could only change if Endrick says ‘I’m sorry, I want to go.’ This didn’t happen yet, it’s a possibility, they will discuss it in December based on playing time and player feeling, but at the moment that’s the situation right now.”

Endrick could propel Liverpool to trophies

Part of the appeal of Liverpool signing Endrick is not only linked to Ekitike. The Reds clearly wanted to add him as a right-sided forward over the summer, and they did not make an alternative signing.

In theory, the spot is not open any longer as Gakpo did not leave. Nevertheless, just as they did with Luis Diaz in 2022, Liverpool could pre-empt a summer exit with a mid-season addition.

Diaz was signed to replace Mane, who the Reds must have known was heading out the door at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and with Gakpo’s future still uncertain, Endrick could arrive to bolster the squad in the meantime before taking over in the summer.

There is little question that the Brazil international would improve Liverpool’s squad, and that could be the difference in the Reds challenging for trophies next spring.

An initial loan here could suit all parties, with Endrick still having the option to return to Real Madrid, but with Liverpool given a ‘try before you buy’ player who could be crucial in the short, medium and long-term. If his situation at the Bernabeu does not improve, this is one the Reds should be looking more closely at.