Liverpool can replace Divock Origi with £30m teenager after chairman blessing

Published date30 April 2022
Publication titleLiverpool Echo: Web Edition Articles (England)
From the starlets already at the club, Oakley Cannonier has been tearing it up in 2021/22. The one-time ‘corner taken quickly’ ball boy has scored 40 goals in all competitions for the Reds at youth level this season and definitely looks a star of the future

But with Divock Origi out of contract this summer, Liverpool might be looking for someone who can make a more immediate impression in Jurgen Klopp’s squad next season. The Reds have already been linked with Enes Unal of Getafe, and now they’re rumoured to be showing an interest in one of Europe’s top scoring teenagers.

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Goal have reported that Liverpool are among a group of clubs who are looking to sign Reims’ striker Hugo Ekitike. Their story includes quotes from club chairman Jean-Pierre Caillot via Europe 1 where he makes clear that he expects the 19-year-old to be moving on this summer.

“In Hugo’s case, he would waste time staying with us,” he said. "We refused an offer of €35 million this winter, which is a lot of money for a club like ours. That money will be used to grow and improve the club. Hugo will be allowed to go, and he’s probably going to leave.”

As Ekitike only has two years remaining on his contract, it’s a logical time for Reims to sell. Anfield may not prove to be his next home – are reportedly favourites, having held talks in January – but his talent is clear for all to see.

He is the joint-top scoring teenager across the top divisions in England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain this season, with nine goals. A look at his shot map via Understat paints him as an excellent predator from close range.

The young Reims forward has taken seven shots in-or-at-the-edge-of the six-yard box this term, with six of them finding the net and the other having been saved.

He scored a long-range effort against Nantes in September, thanks in part to a favourable deflection, but there’s no doubt he does his best work near goal.

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