New Liverpool boss Arne Slot appears to have already encountered his first significant hurdle in the transfer market, with a proposed move for Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike now in serious jeopardy.
Serious concerns have been raised within the Anfield hierarchy regarding the young striker's attitude and application, leading to a major reassessment of a potential summer deal. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who spent last season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, has failed to convince the Reds' decision-makers that he possesses the requisite mentality to succeed under Slot.
What's Causing the Concern at Anfield?
Liverpool's due diligence has reportedly uncovered a pattern of behaviour that has set off alarm bells. Questions over Ekitike's professionalism and commitment are at the forefront of the club's hesitancy. Despite his undeniable talent, the feeling is that his approach could disrupt the carefully cultivated squad harmony that is a cornerstone of the club's philosophy.
His disappointing loan spell in Germany did little to ease these worries. A return of just three goals in a season where he often struggled for game time has done little to bolster his reputation or his price tag.
A Change of Heart from Initial Interest
This marks a significant shift from earlier in the summer when Ekitike was viewed as a viable, cost-effective attacking option. The club's renowned data-driven approach initially flagged him as a player with potential, but the subsequent character assessment seems to have overridden those metrics.
The final decision is set to be one of the first major tests of the new sporting structure, led by Sporting Director Richard Hughes and FSG's CEO of Football Michael Edwards. All signs now point towards Liverpool walking away from negotiations, preferring to invest their resources in a player who better fits the club's cultural mould.
What's Next for Liverpool's Attack?
With the Ekitike deal stalling, Slot and the recruitment team will be forced to look elsewhere. The need for additional forward depth remains, especially with the potential departure of Luis Diaz continuing to generate speculation.
This cautious approach demonstrates that Liverpool are sticking to their long-term principles, prioritising character as highly as talent. For Hugo Ekitike, it seems a dream move to Merseyside is fading fast, with his attitude proving to be the biggest barrier.
