What Arne Slot told Hugo Ekitike in video call as Liverpool star made 'surplus to requirements'

Details of the promises that Arne Slot made Hugo Ekitike ahead of his reported move to Liverpool have been revealed.

Despite links with the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Alexander Isak, who was reportedly Slot's top target, Liverpool appear to have finally signed their new number nine.

According to several reports. the Reds have secured a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike for a guaranteed initial fee of £69m (€80m) plus £10m (€12.5m) in add-ons.

The Frenchman is set to have a medical later this week and will sign a six-year contract with the Premier League champions, who he will then join in Hong Kong for the pre-season tour.

Ahead of the deal officially being announced, one report has revealed details of a video call between Ekitike and Slot and the promises that the Liverpool boss has made his new star signing.

Hugo Ekitike will join Liverpool this summer. (Image: Getty)

Ever since he replaced legendary manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season, it has been clear the Slot has a clear plan in place for the future of Liverpool.

And, according to French outlet L'Equipe, it is exactly this that helped convince Ekitike to sign for Liverpool, despite interest from the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea.

The report claims: “Arne Slot takes charge. In his video call with the player, the idea of a 4-2-3-1 is presented to him.

“The Dutch coach discusses an evolution in the Reds’ game plan, including possession sequences.

“In this context, he also needs a creative, mobile number 9 capable of combining, dropping forward, and also playing deep. Darwin Nunez is not one of them.

“Ekitike emerges from this exchange seduced.”

Hugo Ekitike appears to have replaced Darwin Nunez in Arne Slot's long-term plans. (Image: Getty)

If Slot were to change formation next season to a 4-2-3-1, it would no doubt also be good news for Florian Wirtz, who joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £116m.

As revealed by the report, current Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez does not appear to be a part of Slot's long-term plans, despite the fact that he has been impressing in pre-season.

Several clubs are believed to be interested in the Uruguayan forward, including Serie A side Napoli and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.