Liverpool’s busy transfer window ended with fireworks. Alexander Isak arrived from Newcastle for a British record fee, joining just weeks after Hugo Ekitike was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The French striker had already started making his mark, scoring three times in four games. But with Isak now in the squad, questions are being asked about who will lead the line.
The debate is not new. When a club spends £125 million ($169 million) on a striker, it usually means he will be the main man. Ekitike, however, does not see it that way.
The 23-year-old insists he is ready to fight for his spot, even if it means shifting positions or sharing minutes.
Ekitike’s bold response to new competition at Liverpool
Speaking on international duty with France, Ekitike welcomed the challenge: “When you play at big clubs, you expect to be in competition with the best players. Isak is a player that I watched, so for him to arrive is great. It will provide tough competition, but I’ll focus on being good and performing well so that it is just the manager’s problem.”
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The Frenchman’s words show confidence rather than concern. He knows the pressure of a $106m transfer tag, admitting: “It is a big transfer. I am watched 1000 times more than before, but I take it as a positive. It is the position I wanted to be in.”
Ekitike may have to adapt, with reports suggesting he could be used on the wing if Isak locks down the No.9 role.
Liverpool fans could see shades of last season’s rotation, when Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz pushed each other to higher levels.
For now, Ekitike has momentum on his side. Three goals in his first four matches is no small statement. But as Reds fans know too well, competition at Anfield is as fierce as the Premier League itself.
One thing is certain: Arne Slot has a striker puzzle many managers would love to solve.
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