Newcastle fans will be ready to riot if this Liverpool star scores at St James’ Park
Newcastle United and Liverpool have become the biggest storylines of the summer.
Alexander Isak has been the main talking point linking the two clubs, as the Swede remains on strike at Newcastle as he yearns for a move to the Reds.
Liverpool have been one of the biggest achievers this transfer window, with the big-money signing of Florian Wirtz headlining a refreshed Reds squad.
The Magpies, meanwhile, have been one of the most disappointing in comparison, being rejected by numerous targets and lacking their star striker to start the season.
Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Monday night, and with tempers flaring between the two fan bases, a Reds star is looking to haunt the club that has wanted him on several occasions.
Hugo Ekitike faces Newcastle United for the first time
Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer for an initial £69million, and the Frenchman has been a revelation at Anfield.
Ekitike scored the opener against Bournemouth in a 4-2 victory last time out, and shone in a man-of-the-match performance.
Newcastle have targeted the striker on three separate occasions, with the latest being this summer, as they had originally planned to pair him up with Isak.
| Hugo Ekitike vs Bournemouth | Stats |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected goals | 1.14 |
| Distance covered | 8.7km |
| Top speed | 33.6km/h |
The Reds swooped in to sign Ekitike, with Isak then requesting to explore his options just 24 hours later.
The Frenchman’s start on Merseyside has seen the Geordies look on in envy, and a goal on Monday night in front of a hostile St. James’ Park could see the tension spill over.
A rivalry is beginning to brew between Newcastle and Liverpool
This summer has potentially provided the Premier League with a brand new rivalry between Newcastle and Liverpool.
Following the Carabao Cup final, which the Geordies won 2-1, most of the fans were respectful to each other after the Magpies won their first trophy in 70 years.
That respect has evaporated after events this summer, with accusations of tapping up on the Liverpool end emerging regarding Isak’s transfer request.
With Newcastle looking likely to emerge as a major threat to Liverpool’s potential dominance over English football in the coming years, this could become the next big rivalry in English football.
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