Ekitike and Salah tensions could now emerge in Liverpool registration update
Hugo Ekitike looks set to become the sixth signing of the summer at Liverpool.
The Frenchman had been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United, but an Anfield switch now looks more than likely at this stage.
This potential deal has been well-received by the Reds supporters as a new forward looks set to grace the hallowed turf on Merseyside.
As positive as this deal could prove to be, immediate tensions with star man Mohamed Salah could take away from the shine of the big-money signing.
Ekitike could clash with Salah at Liverpool
Unfortunately, for any new signing in L4, they are going to struggle to live up to the level of signing that the Egypt international has proven to be.
That is the case for everyone, from Milos Kerkez to Florian Wirtz, moving into the new Premier League season.
It is fair to say that the Eintracht Frankfurt man will come under the same scrutiny in Red, especially if issues are raised with the 33-year-old.
This could be completely possible when the Frenchman comes to deciding on his squad number after completing his transfer.
Ekitike has worn the number 11 shirt since moving to the Bundesliga, a choice that has seemingly helped him thrive and get him to the point where a £82million move is possible.
| Stat | Hugo Ekitike |
| Appearances | 48 |
| Goals | 22 |
| Assists | 12 |
If the forward wants that shirt at Anfield, he is going to be instantly turned down and told to choose again because Salah won’t be changing his number anytime soon.
This could cause tensions and looks likely to end with the 23-year-old wearing 44, which has been left vacant since Luke Chambers departed.
Ekitike could take number 44 at Liverpool
The young forward took that squad number twice in his spell at PSG and could repeat that ahead of his new adventure in English football.
It will certainly be interesting to see if he takes the 44 and whether it impacts his game as a regular under Arne Slot next campaign.
There is every chance that the 23-year-old has his eye on that number 11 shirt, but he will have to wait after Salah signed his new contract earlier this summer.
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