Liverpool star will surely be worried as record-breaking Alexander Isak deal edges closer
Alexander Isak is finally set to move to Liverpool from Newcastle United.
Liverpool have agreed a £125million fee with Newcastle for Isak, with the striker travelling to Merseyside this morning to complete his medical.
Isak has been on strike at Newcastle since handing in a transfer request at the end of July, with Liverpool always being his preferred destination.
The move tops off a perfect weekend for Liverpool, who defeated Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday to move to the top of the Premier League table.
However, the move for the Swede is bad news for another Reds star.
Hugo Ekitike’s time at striker could be up
Hugo Ekitike has been on fire for Liverpool so far this season.
Ekitike first impressed during Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, and continued his hot streak with goals against both Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Many fans were shocked by his start and were beginning to question whether Isak was even needed, as it would mean Ekitike would need to be moved to accommodate the Swede.
The Frenchman is now likely to be moved out wide to allow Isak to usurp the role as Liverpool’s superstar number nine, and Arne Slot has said he can play that role, although he mainly sees him as a striker.
Talking to Sky Sports earlier this month, Slot said: “I see Hugo mainly as a number nine, that could also play from the left or together with another number nine. We need to have one more attacker at least.”
- Read more: Liverpool expected to complete ‘essential’ Marc Guehi transfer as bargain bid now revealed
Liverpool could switch formation to play both strikers
The way to get the best out of both strikers at the same time is to play them together in a strike partnership.
Two-striker formations are a rare sight in the modern Premier League, as they usually involve taking out another central midfielder, but Liverpool could resurrect the concept.
Isak and Ekitike are brilliant at getting involved in play from deep, and the pair can link up to form the modern-day version of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.
It would likely see one of Cody Gakpo or Florian Wirtz drop to the bench, but the number of goals on offer could be worth the sacrifice.
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