(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 17 April 2026 8:48, UK

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Hugo Ekitike suffered an achilles injury during the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain which is likely to force Liverpool into the transfer market, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old is expected to be ruled out until 2027 in what has come as a major blow to Arne Slot’s plans ahead of the summer transfer window.

This comes as Alexander Isak has also suffered a long-term injury this season, while the Reds are bracing to lose Mohamed Salah, and concerns are mounting.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are determined not to enter next season with Isak as their only recognised centre-forward.

The recruitment team at Anfield have already begun working behind the scenes to identify potential replacements for Ekitike in what will be another busy window for Liverpool.

How will Hugo Ekitike absence impact Liverpool?

Football Insider reported on 15 April that Liverpool expect Ekitike to miss around nine months through his latest blow after being stretchered off against PSG.

An achilles rupture is a notoriously difficult injury to come back from, but Reds fans can take solace from the likes of Eberechi Eze, who returned to his best at Crystal Palace.

However, while there are concnerns about the long-term impact of the injury, Liverpool are being forced to consider their options to replace him immediately.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It was a serious injury to Hugo Ekitike, I feel for the player because he’s facing a long spell on the sidelines.

“It’s a major blow to him because he’ll miss out on the World Cup and he was having a great debut season at Anfield as well.

“Liverpool have had their injury problems as well, Alexander Isak has missed a large chunk of the season after picking up that bad injury as well.

“With Mohamed Salah leaving this summer, his departure and Ekitike’s injury does leave Liverpool very short of attacking options.

“The recruitment team don’t want to be going into next season with just one recognised number nine in Isak, and they won’t really want to take any risks in case anything happens to him, so I’m sure it’s something they will be looking at.

“It’s a big concern for Liverpool and it does definitely affect their transfer plans because the injury to Ekitike does leave them very short up front.”

Which attacking reinforcements are Liverpool considering?

Given the short time since the injury blow, not many out-and-out strikers have been linked with the Liverpool move, but they have already considered some options.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool want to sign Anthony Gordon, having been long-term admirers of his.

While he has previously been viewed as a replacement for Salah rather than Ekitike, the Newcastle star has also filled in through the middle at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side have struggled with their own striker concerns, forcing Gordon to fill in, and he could provide a makeshift option for Liverpool if needed.

There is a growing feeling he could be allowed to leave Newcastle this summer, and with Liverpool already keen, Ekitike’s injury could force their hand.