Hughes now wants Liverpool to sign “exciting” Rodrygo alternative

Whilst Liverpool have found themselves linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo in recent weeks, sporting director Richard Hughes reportedly wants the Reds to sign a recent treble winner instead.

Ekitike “ready” for Premier League step

Although Liverpool are not done on the transfer front, Hugo Ekitiké represents a significant standout in an impressive list of incomings.

Alongside Florian Wirtz, the Frenchman has arrived for big money from the Bundesliga to take the Reds’ spending close to the £300m-mark. The pressure will be on after sealing a move worth £69m, with £10m in potential add-ons, but Ekitike is ready to take the Premier League step.

The talented striker told Liverpool’s official website: “I think that was the right moment. I came to the Bundesliga hungry, I wanted to show that I’m a good player and I can make the difference on the pitch.

“I think I did well last season. Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do. That’s why I think it’s the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here.”

The new arrival has been straight into action and has already met his new teammates on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong. Alongside the rest of the fresh faces in Arne Slot’s squad, Ekitike will now be desperate to hit the ground running.

Back in Merseyside, meanwhile, Liverpool may not be done with incomings. Following the news that Alexander Isak has asked to leave Newcastle United, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing the Swede in a package that could cost as much as £250m, including agents fees and wages.

Then, the Reds could turn their focus towards replacing Luis Diaz if he leaves for Bayern Munich. And Hughes already has his preferred option in mind to do exactly that.

Hughes now wants Bradley Barcola instead of Rodrygo

As reported by ESPN, Hughes now wants Liverpool to sign Bradley Barcola, who’d come as an alternative to Rodrygo, but the transfer chief also understands that any deal to welcome the Paris Saint-Germain star is unlikely to take place this summer.

The Frenchman has just won the treble at PSG and played his part in their first-ever Champions League success. As such, both luring him away from the Parc des Princes and negotiating a deal with PSG will likely prove to be a tough challenge ahead of next season.

The one factor which could leave the door ajar for the Reds to come swooping in, however, is the amount of competition for places in Barcola’s way in Paris. The 22-year-old must compete for a spot against Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whilst Diaz’s potentially vacant role could be awaiting him at Anfield.

It’s clear to see why Hughes wants Barcola over Rodrygo, given how impressive the Frenchman was at PSG last season. A player who scout Jacek Kulig described as “exciting”, Barcola would thrive at Anfield.