“World-class” star now wants to sign for Liverpool in over Man Utd 2026, he’d make Ekitike a superstar – report…

A “world-class” Premier League star is now eager to sign with Liverpool in 2026, potentially elevating Ekitike to superstardom – report

Ekitike will be thrilled: The £65m Premier League star aims to join Liverpool instead of Manchester United.

Liverpool triumphed over Brighton & Hove Albion during a weekend filled with discussions about Mohamed Salah. This is a familiar topic, yet the context surrounding the Egyptian forward is certainly unique.

The 33-year-old took a lap around Anfield following the 2-0 victory in the Premier League, a much-needed moment after the challenges faced throughout the season. He was the last player to leave the pitch, and his emotions were palpable.

But was this a farewell? It didn’t quite seem like a farewell. Salah is set to depart for the African Cup of Nations shortly, and he will be unavailable for approximately a month. Following his heated remarks at Leeds United a week prior, everyone associated with Liverpool has been on edge regarding whether the club icon will exit under difficult circumstances this winter.

Nonetheless, Liverpool is in need of a new forward, having faced difficulties in achieving fluency and balance as a team this season.

Liverpool’s January transfer strategy

FSG believes that making one or two strategic signings this winter could significantly help resolve Liverpool’s issues. Given the team’s poor and error-prone defense, there are many calls for a new center-back.

However, maintaining balance across the attacking line is equally crucial, with Hugo Ekitike standing out as he has made an immediate impact in front of goal this season. In July, the 23-year-old Frenchman left Eintracht to join Liverpool in a £69m transfer, and he has netted ten goals thus far.

Salah’s aging legs and the departure of Luis Diaz have affected Slot’s squad, and FSG believes that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo could be the solution to some of their challenges.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Manchester United’s interest in the Ghanaian international is intensifying, but Liverpool remains the frontrunner, as he prefers to join the Anfield club.

Semenyo, 26, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards this season, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur preparing to make their own offers. However, Semenyo has a preference for joining the reigning champions. His £65m release clause will become active in two weeks.

Why Semenyo could elevate Ekitike to stardom

Semenyo’s combination of strength, skill, and effectiveness in the attacking third has established him as a remarkable talent in the Premier League. His impressive performances this season have paved the way for a lucrative transfer to a top-tier club, with pundit Chris Waddle even labeling him as “the best winger in the country”.

As a direct and dynamic winger, Semenyo possesses the rare ability to use both feet effectively, showing comfort on either his right or left side. This season, he has netted three goals with his right foot and three with his left in the Premier League.

His unpredictability and quick footwork could provide the necessary boost for Ekitike, who is already in excellent form, to reach new heights. According to Sofascore, Semenyo has averaged 1.6 dribbles and won 6.5 duels per match in the top flight this season.

This could ignite Liverpool’s new central forward, who is currently performing significantly better than record signing Alexander Isak.

In the match against Brighton on Saturday, Ekitike scored twice, marking his second consecutive league game with a brace. He is not only a precise striker but also agile, intelligent, and electrifying with the ball at his feet. He embodies the complete package and is on track to become the player Liverpool invested £125m in, akin to a ready-made version of Isak.

By introducing width and vigor to Liverpool’s wings, Semenyo would open up new spaces for Ekitike to exploit.

Thus far, the new addition has dominated many of Liverpool’s rivals, even amidst the surrounding turmoil and discord.

His resemblance to the summer-departed Diaz may highlight sporting director Richard Hughes’ aspirations with this acquisition.

Semenyo is a player with the potential to excel as a key figure in Slot’s title-contending squad, and his teammate Justin Kluivert has referred to him as a “world-class” talent.

Ekitike is also made of commendable material, and despite a challenging season for the Anfield team, there are indications of a team finding stability, which may help Liverpool regain their peak performance.