2 days ago
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As Liverpool enters the final three weeks of the summer transfer window, one thing is clear: more additions are needed.
Despite spending the guts of $400 million (or just shy of £300M), the squad is still lacking in a number of key areas. At center-back, Arne Slot only has three options, one of whom, Joe Gomez, is currently out through injury, while the exit of Luis Diaz and the expected departure of Federico Chiesa leaves Liverpool short on wide attackers.
But, of course, it’s up front that has drawn the most attention. The transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak is generating almost daily updates now, with the Sweden star evidently keen on a move to Merseyside. Newcastle United, however, remains unwilling to sell.
But amid the drama, it shouldn’t be overlooked that Liverpool has already signed a promising forward in the window. The Reds committed to spending $106M (£79M) on Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer, a sign of just how highly regarded he is considered by the club.
The 23-year-old is beginning to justify that fee with a goal on his competitive debut on Sunday against Crystal Palace, just days after impressing on his maiden outing at Anfield in the pre-season win over Athletic Bilbao.
There were doubts about Ekitike when he first arrived, but based on the last two games alone, the powerful center-forward has demonstrated his quick turn of pace, close control and ability to finish. In addition, he has already struck up a partnership with Florian Wirtz, as was evidenced at Wembley when the two ex-Bundesliga stars combined for the opening goal.
Steve McManaman felt the early signs were good. “They've got a really good chemistry together Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, you could see that in the first goal. It was a really nice start for Liverpool and particularly two of the new signings,” he told TNT Sports.
Meanwhile, Wirtz discussed his relationship with Ekitike after Monday’s win over Bilbao.
“He is a really good player. I enjoyed watching him at Frankfurt and I was really happy that he decided to come to us,” the German explained.
“In the training sessions already, he went well and also in the game we had some combinations that were good. I am really happy that I can play with him.
“It is good that we have a few players that come at the same time, so we can connect a little bit and talk to each other about how we deal with it. That helps when you come to a new team.”
That raises several questions. Firstly, would Isak and Wirtz strike a similar bond? This is particularly pertinent given that Slot has restructured his team to maximize the latter’s talents.
Also, where would Ekitike fit into Slot’s plans if Isak arrived? The answer, it would appear, is a backup role, a scenario which feels almost ludicrous based on the events of the last week.
It then begs the biggest question of all: does Liverpool really need Isak?
Given he will likely cost a British record fee, decision-makers around Anfield may just be wondering about that very point.
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