Hugo Ekitike to fume with Liverpool already amid news of transfer request
Hugo Ekitike became Liverpool’s sixth signing of the summer when he joined on a six-year deal from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Negotiations between the two clubs took some time to finalize, but the Reds ultimately settled on an initial fee of £69million with various add-ons.
Ekitike endeared himself to the Liverpool faithful by rejecting a late approach from Manchester United, while Newcastle were the first to make a move for the France Under-21 international this summer.
However, the striker may feel that his loyalty to the Merseyside club is already being undermined following recent developments.
Alexander Isak asks to leave Newcastle amid Liverpool links
In tandem with Ekitike, Liverpool have looked at signing Alexander Isak this summer, as Arne Slot has focused on bringing in a striker to improve on Darwin Nunez.
The Sweden international is keen on the move, but Newcastle have remained adamant that their star player is not for sale.
However, Isak was omitted from the Magpies squad for their pre-season tour in Asia and has asked the Tyneside club to leave this summer amid links with Liverpool, as reported by the Liverpool Echo (24 July).
FSG will know that it will take a British transfer record fee to prise the 25-year-old away from St James’ Park, and will have to calculate whether they have the financial means to pull off the move.
It would be a sensational move for Slot’s men and would put the icing on the cake of what has been arguably their most exciting transfer window ever.
However, one player who will not share the optimism is Ekitike, who will likely feel that Isak’s arrival will directly impact the striker’s game time.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man would be fuming if he joined the Reds only to play second fiddle to Isak, and would likely rue his decision to move to Anfield over other clubs.
Isak signing would signify Liverpool’s best-ever transfer window
Liverpool have already had a historic transfer window, breaking their transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz, while their summer spending so far stands at around a quarter of a billion pounds.
Despite the lofty figure, they have spent wisely, making much-needed upgrades to their fullbacks with excellent acquisitions in Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, while also addressing their forward line.
Slot still desperately needs at least one centre-back, but should they manage to land Isak, not only would they eclipse multiple records, but it would represent their best-ever transfer window.
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