Arne Slot already has Alexander Isak issue after what ex-Premier League player’s said
Alexander Isak is set to make his debut for Liverpool on Sunday when the Reds take on Burnley at Turf Moor.
Liverpool signed Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, after agreeing a Premier League record £125million fee.
The Swede had been refusing to play for the Magpies, after accusing decision-makers at St James’ Park of breaking promises that were made to him before the summer.
Isak was spotted in training for Liverpool for the first time on Wednesday, after the striker briefly appeared in Sweden’s 2-0 loss to Kosovo on Monday.
Arne Slot is expected to name Isak on the bench against Burnley, with the 25-year-old likely to make his full debut when the Reds play Southampton next week.
Michail Antonio predicts adaptation period for Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike said Isak’s arrival “is a pleasure” when asked this week, but the striker’s position at Liverpool will undoubtedly change.
So far this season, the Frenchman has been Slot’s first option to lead the attack. And to great effect, with Ekitike netting three goals in just four appearances.
But Isak arrives with a heralded reputation in the Premier League, and is expected to quickly take his place at the head of the Liverpool team.
| Across all competitions – 2025/26 | Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) | Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) |
| Appearances | 42 | 48 |
| Goals | 27 | 22 |
| Assists | 6 | 12 |
Former West Ham striker Michail Antonio said Slot would be faced with a “hard decision” when his two strikers are fit and firing.
“You thought Isak was going to be your No. 9, but now Ekitike has come in, he can’t not be the No. 9 right now,” the forward told TNT Sports on Wednesday.
“So what is he going to do? Isak has come in to play, so will he play him off the left? Because Mo isn’t moving from the right. How are you going to do it?
“There will definitely be some teething problems and how will he deal with the egos because they are massive players and Ekitike has done well enough to be No. 9.”
Arne Slot faces task to keep Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike happy
Having two top strikers at one club has worked in the past, but it can be a difficult situation for a manager to handle.
One recent Premier League example can be drawn from Aston Villa, where Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins’ tussle for the starting role ultimately resulted in the former demanding his way out of the club.
Slot will hope for a different result with his two big-money forwards, with a difficult sweet spot between competition and rotation needing to be found to keep the peace at Anfield this season.
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