The upcoming Premier League clash between Liverpool and Newcastle is likely to contain fireworks.
The two teams have been at one another since the start of the transfer window, with deals for Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak wanted by both clubs.
Indeed, Liverpool emerged victorious in the Ekitike transfer battle, but at the moment, it looks like the Magpies are going to get their way with Isak, even though he has no intention of playing for them again.
Eddie Howe greets Alexander Isak after taking him off as a substitute during Newcastle United's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at St James' Park.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Not only that, but Newcastle will want to show that they’re here to challenge this season, rather than just sit on the outside and wait for a last-minute charge to the top four like last term.
Eddie Howe admits that Hugo Ekitike will be a ‘threat’ to Newcastle on Monday
As mentioned, Liverpool beat Howe’s men to the signing of Ekitike this summer.
The Magpies saw the Frenchman as the perfect striker for their project, with talks of both him and Isak starting for Newcastle this season.
However, at the moment, neither are lining up for Howe, but that didn’t stop him from praising Ekitike for how well he’s handled the transition into the Premier League.
“There’s no doubt I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
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“He’s got really good qualities, and he showed that in his first Premier League game, he had a really good debut against Bournemouth.
“He’s got really good movement, intelligent, good in the air, scores goals, scores off both feet. Our job will be to keep him quiet. He is going to be a threat this year.”
Liverpool may not need Alexander Isak after all
Depending on the way that things go during Monday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Newcastle, Ekitike could make the Reds turn away from an Isak deal.
Since the start of the summer transfer window, all anyone has said is that the Sweden international was Slot’s dream striker target.
And, even though it’s clear that Isak also wants this move, if Ekitike bags for the Reds once again, it’s hard to see why the Anfield outfit even needs Isak.
Player Games Goals Assists
Alexander Isak 42 27 6
Hugo Ekitike 48 22 12
The 2024-25 seasons of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak in numbers.
They already have several players who can put in a shift at centre-forward, but what they really need is a new winger.
Luis Diaz was a very regular feature for Slot last season, and since he’s not been replaced yet, there’s a gap in Liverpool’s squad.
At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen, but if Liverpool end up winning by a large margin, it’s going to give Slot and Richard Hughes a rather tough decision to make.