Liverpool fans think Hugo Ekitike dropped major Alexander Isak transfer hint during his unveiling interview
Liverpool fans think new signing Hugo Ekitike may have dropped a major Alexander Isak transfer hint during his unveiling.
Ekitike is the latest addition in what has been a busy summer at Anfield, with the Premier League champions looking to dominate English football.
The 23-year-old Frenchman has joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million, including an initial £69 million fee.
He scored an impressive 22 goals in 48 games for the German side last season.
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Although the striker signing took Liverpool's spending towards the £300 million mark, they are still interested in Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
On Thursday, Isak asked to leave Newcastle as he was left out of the club's pre-season tour.
It would still take a huge offer to persuade them to sell however, potentially between £130 million and £150 million.
Ekitike was not discouraged by the prospect of a battle for the starting striker spot though.
He said: "I can't define myself only as a striker [who likes] to finish: I like to play, I like to be in the game, in the collective part of play [and] create also.
"So, I can do both - I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker."
One fan responded to the quote by saying: "Even Hugo is promoting 4-4-2."
While another said: We see what you did there 'with another striker'."
A third supporter thinks the comment is testament to Ekitike's character. "That’s the mindset every top forward needs versatility hunger and team play all in one.," they added.
What business have Liverpool done?
The reigning champions have not wasted time in refreshing their squad across a range of positions.
Jeremie Frimpong joined from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid.
Milos Kerkez arrived from Bournemouth, as Liverpool prepare for life without Andy Robertson.
But the majority of Liverpool's money has gone towards replenishing their attack.
German playmaker Florian Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal which could rise to £116.6 million and would be a British transfer record, though that could yet be broken by any move for Isak.
The 22-year-old German international was outstanding in 2023/24 as Leverkusen went unbeaten on their way to winning the Bundesliga.
After another good season, he attracted the interest of Europe's top clubs, with Liverpool beating off interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Ekitike, who was a key target for Newcastle, is another highly-rated young player joining Liverpool.
He previously spent time at PSG but opportunities were limited given the French side's array of attacking talent.
If Ekitike and Isak both join Liverpool, then they will have to move attacking players on.
Federico Chiesa could leave just a year into his Liverpool career, while Darwin Nunez is expected to depart, with Saudi Arabia mooted as a potential option.
Luis Diaz has attracted bids from Bayern Munich but Liverpool do not want to lose the Colombian unless a huge offer is made.
Topics: Liverpool, Alexander Isak, Transfer News, Football, Premier League
James Taylor