Former England star Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Liverpool could be creating problems for themselves by pursuing Alexander Isak, having already signed striker Hugo Ekitike this summer
12:48, 06 Aug 2025
Alexander Isak who is facing showdown talks with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after returning to Tyneside
Alexander Isak's arrival at Liverpool could create problems(Image: PA)
Liverpool have been warned that signing both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike could create unwanted dressing room drama.
The Reds are in the midst of a staggering summer spending spree, having already smashed their club record for transfer spending with £268million splashed out so far.
That astronomical sum could rise to - or surpass - the £400m mark should they secure Isak, with the Newcastle striker expected to cost between £120m and £150m. That's provided that the Magpies, who insist he is not for sale, can be convinced to part with their talisman.
However, while Liverpool fans might be salivating at the thought of Isak lining up alongside Ekitike, following his own £79million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, Shaun Wright-Phillips has raised a red flag.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City winger believes the strikers could find it difficult to operate together in the same starting XI, meaning one would inevitably have to settle for the bench. Wright-Phillips fears this scenario could spark tension and potentially trigger ego clashes within the dressing room.
"In terms of the saga, now that Liverpool have Ekitike, I don't think it's that important to sign Isak," Wright-Phillips, 43, said when speaking to Ace Odds. "They're putting themselves in a position where they just paid £70-80m for one, and right now he's their main No. 9.
"When you're going to pay £120m for somebody, he's going to start. You can't pay £120m and he's not starting for your team.
"So there's one conflict there that may start a bad egg. Because we don't know Ekitike's personality to that degree. If he's not playing, how is he going to be?"
Liverpool's forward options are already the envy of rival clubs, with stars like Mohamed Salah, Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and record-breaking signing Florian Wirtz all battling for starting spots. Bringing in another marquee striker risks creating a logjam, where minutes on the pitch become a source of tension.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Hugo Ekitike could be pushed out of the starting line-up if Alexander Isak joins Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Despite his 22-goal haul in Germany last season, Ekitike, 23, has yet to prove himself in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Isak, 25, has established himself as one of the league's - and the world's - most lethal marksmen, scoring 52 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.
Both forwards possess undeniable quality, but whether they can peacefully coexist in a setup where realistically only one can spearhead the attack, remains uncertain. The Reds initially made Isak their main forward target early in the transfer window, but after being informed the Swedish ace was not available for any price, they switched their attention to Ekitike.
Yet, soon after the Frenchman's Anfield move was announced, Isak started pushing for his own move. The former Real Sociedad hitman withdrew from Newcastle's pre-season trip overseas in what appears to be an attempt to force through an exit.
For the moment, however, the Magpies are standing firm. Liverpool made a £120m bid for Isak earlier this month, but it was swiftly turned down. The Reds are not expected to return with an improved offer unless there's a clear shift in Newcastle's stance - something Isak himself may ultimately force.
Wright-Phillips' warning about team harmony isn’t without precedent. Football history is littered with examples of star-studded squads undone by dressing-room fallouts.
Shaun Wright-Phillips smiles
Shaun Wright-Phillips has warned that buying both Isak and Ekitike could create friction within the squad(Image: Getty Images)
Since taking the helm, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has emphasised unity and hard work, but managing two high-profile strikers with big expectations could challenge his leadership skills.
On the other hand, Liverpool's pursuit of Isak suggests confidence in managing a squad packed with stars. The club's recruitment team, headed by sporting director Richard Hughes, is known for making calculated decisions.
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Ekitike's ability to play anywhere on the front line could complement Isak's more traditional No. 9 role, potentially allowing both players to thrive.
Slot's tactical adaptability, coupled with his preference for attacking full-backs to provide width, might provide the perfect structure for such a duo - with Ekitike likely given the liberty to move inside from a wide starting position, creating space for overlapping runs and linking up with Isak in the middle.
However, the financial investment in both players raises the stakes. Liverpool fans will hope the club's gamble pays off, but as Wright-Phillips cautions, the Reds must tread carefully to avoid a costly clash of egos that could disrupt their season.