Hugo Ekitike has already spoken about what he needs to work on with his strike partner, as Liverpool completed a sensational record transfer of Alexander Isak on deadline day
Hugo Ekitike has already revealed the two key things that will enable him and fellow new signing Alexander Isak to flourish in the same Liverpool team. Ekitike was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79million in July.
The 23-year-old forward was brought in as the Reds’ primary centre-forward option, following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez’s sale. Ekitike made an immediate impact on Arne Slot’s team, netting three times in his first three outings for the Reds.
But just as Ekitike was settling into life on Merseyside, rumours began to circulate about Liverpool’s interest in Isak. The Frenchman’s goal celebration against Crystal Palace in last month’s Community Shield appeared to be a response to the talk surrounding his place in the team amid reports of Liverpool’s initial bid for Isak.
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The Premier League champions ended the summer’s most high-profile saga on transfer deadline day by securing the Swedish player’s signature for a British record-breaking transfer fee of £125m.
It remains to be seen how Slot will utilise two of Europe’s most exciting strikers and whether they will be used together or rotated over the course of the season.
Ekitike is no stranger to the former scenario, having been part of a front two at Eintracht Frankfurt last season. He formed a formidable partnership with Omar Marmoush, scoring 22 goals, while his Egyptian team-mate netted 20 before his January move to Manchester City.
Ekitike has even hinted at what could make him and Isak form a lethal strike partnership, drawing on his successful pairing with Marmoush last season. One key thing he emphasised was the importance of trust from the manager and team-mates.
The other, which will require more patience, is being given the time to figure out his forward partner by playing alongside each other often.
Speaking to TNT Sports about his chemistry with Marmoush, Ekitike said: “Well, I think we’re still maybe 50 per cent of what we could be if we worked even better together. Today, it’s great.
“The other players trust us, and so does the coach. So obviousl,y we want to give something back. And giving back means performing well.”
The ex-Reims star also noted: “When I came last season, we took time to play together and to know what he likes on the pitch, what I like also, and I think in time we just created a connection. We do play very well together, we understand each other, and it’s only getting better, as our opponents will find out.”
Regardless of how Slot decides to utilise Isak and Ekitike, there’s no denying that the Reds boast considerable firepower this season. With a packed schedule across four competitions, both strikers will have ample opportunities to demonstrate their talents.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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