Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike crossed paths for the first time during a game on Wednesday night, but it could all have been so different for Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Isak was replaced by Ekitike just before the hour mark as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Newcastle tried to sign Ekitike but he ended up joining Liverpool. That, at first, looked as if it would keep Isak at St James’ Park but he ultimately forced a move to Anfield too.
Now, Arne Slot has the issue of fitting them both into the team. Clearly, that’s a nice problem to have and is no doubt one Eddie Howe would have dreamed about having to deal with.
However, French football expert Julien Laurens has revealed Ekitike may never have put himself in that position had he known what was coming.
Hugo Ekitike replaces Alexander Isak as a substitute for Liverpool.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike might not have signed for Liverpool if he knew Alexander Isak was coming
Laurens was speaking on BBC Radio Five Live after Liverpool’s win over Atletico, in which Ekitike was benched.
He suggested that, when both strikers are fit, Ekitike is not likely to start over Isak.
Laurens then suggested that he didn’t think the former PSG forward would have signed for Liverpool if he knew Isak would follow him.
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When asked whether Ekitike would have signed for Liverpool if he knew Isak would follow him, Laurens said: “I really don’t think so.
“Remember he signed for Liverpool after a first approach from Liverpool to Newcastle for Isak, when Newcastle closed the door.
“And I think, probably from a Liverpool point of view, that was before Isak went on strike. They kind of reverted to Ekitike, who was on his way to Newcastle in the first place because he was supposed to be the replacement for Isak.”
"It's never going to be Ekitike over Isak."
With Alexander Isak's Liverpool debut against Atlético Madrid resulting in Hugo Ekitike being dropped to the bench, Mark Chapman asks @LaurensJulien if the French striker would have still signed for the club if he knew Isak would be… pic.twitter.com/AR7NTZ6V74
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) September 17, 2025
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Hugo Ekitike has spoken on Alexander Isak
That’s a blow for Newcastle, they seemingly could have had at least one of Ekitike or Isak this season.
The fact is, however, they don’t and what’s important is that Howe now has two new strikers on which to lean following the signings of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.
Still, it seems Ekitike now has a fight on his hands to claim a regular starting berth and one that he didn’t necessarily see coming.
The player himself, however, is up for the battle.
Earlier this month, Ekitike said he was pleased Liverpool signed Isak.
“When you play for the best teams, you inevitably expect to be competing with the best players,” he said.
“Isak is a player I used to watch, so 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 well so that it’s just the coach’s problem.”
Howe was a huge fan of Ekitike but, sadly, it now seems their paths will never cross at Newcastle.