Hugo Ekitike has welcomed new Liverpool signing Alexander Isak, admitting that the Swedish striker’s arrival at Anfield brings strong competition but also a challenge he is eager to embrace.
While both players play in the same position, Liverpool also has Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah to fit into the team with Florian Wirtz as a number 10 in behind, Ekitike is not worried. He believes there will be more than enough minutes for everyone.
The Frenchman has gotten off to a flying start at Anfield since his £69m arrival, netting three in his first three games. However, he will now face a fight to keep his place up top following the British-record signing of Isak, who joined on deadline day for £125m.
Liverpool signed Isak after weeks of uncertainty around the Swedish striker’s future. Ekitike has enjoyed a strong start to his Liverpool career, scoring two goals and providing one assist in three Premier League matches, while also scoring in their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, the 23-year-old striker acknowledged the fierce competition that comes with representing a top club, praising Alexander Isak as one of the very best. The post reads:
Hugo Ekitike: When you play for the best teams, you inevitably expect to be competing with the best players and Isak is among them.
Seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It’s going to be tough competition, but I’m going to work hard to be good and perform at my best.
Liverpool spent nearly half a billion pounds to rebuild their squad in the summer transfer window as they shelled out big money to complete deals for stars like Florian Wirtz, Ekitike and finally Isak on deadline day from Newcastle United.
Isak proved himself as one of the world’s best strikers last term, notching 23 goals and six assists in the Premier League while also guiding the Magpies to a first trophy in 70 years, scoring to best his new employers in the Carabao Cup final.
The Swede’s undeniable potency up front could see Ekitike’s primary role shift to the left wing, a position he operated in on numerous occasions for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool are first in the Premier League after their 1-0 win over Arsenal before the international break saw them maintain their perfect start to their title defence.
Isak could make his debut for the Reds against Burnley on September 14, while his home debut could come in the Merseyside derby a week later.
The Liverpool duo will be in action for their respective national teams this week in World Cup qualifying. While Sweden face Kosovo on Monday, France take on Iceland on Tuesday.
