2 days ago
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Robbie Keane's private claim about Hugo Ekitike has proven to be spot on with the Liverpool striker making a blistering start in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer in a deal potentially worth up to $107 million. And under the guidance of Arne Slot, he's quickly found his stride.
The Frenchman netted his first goal for his new club within four minutes of Liverpool's Community Shield match against Crystal Palace last week, despite the Reds ultimately missing out on the trophy following a penalty shootout. He found the back of the net once more during the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday, calmly guiding the ball past Djordje Petrovic to kick off the scoring in what turned out to be a thrilling late 4-2 victory.
It seems that former Reds and Tottenham Hotspur striker Keane was spot on with his evaluation of Ekitike earlier this year. Since January, he's been at the helm of Ferencvaros, and one of his initial matches in charge of the Hungarian team saw him face Frankfurt in the Europa League.
After being left in awe by a 2-0 defeat to the Bundesliga giants, Keane was quick to commend the skill of Ekitike in particular. Speaking to Betway Insider, he said: "Plenty of teams look to have improved over the summer, but I think you have to say that Liverpool have had the most impressive transfer window.
"The players they've signed are brilliant. Florian Wirtz is a really clever No. 10, and my team played against Hugo Ekitike last year when he was at Frankfurt. After the game I said to the guys, 'He will be the next big thing who will go to England.' He was just unplayable at times.
"Whether he plays as Liverpool's No. 9, I'm not sure, as he can also fill in on the left now that Luis Diaz has gone to Bayern. If Liverpool do sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle then Ekitike will definitely play on the left more. He can do both, though. He's a very good player, quick, and technically very, very good."
It comes as questions have been raised about where Ekitike will be deployed this season, given Liverpool's significant interest in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. Despite Newcastle swiftly rejecting Liverpool's initial offer of $149M plus add-ons, the Reds might return with an enhanced proposal before deadline day.
With rumours indicating that Isak is adamant he won't play for Newcastle again as he looks to explore his options, the Magpies might need to be flexible on their firm $203M valuation of the 25-year-old. However, even if Liverpool decides not to strike a deal before the window shuts, it's clear they are in a strong position with their current leading line.
Ekitike seems to be an excellent first-choice No. 9, although competition will be necessary throughout a lengthy season. Currently, Liverpool appears to be focusing on strengthening their defence, welcoming Giovanni Leoni in a $35M deal from Parma and reportedly approaching Palace captain Marc Guehi.
And with Ekitike already making a name for himself on Merseyside, the club might choose not to re-enter negotiations with Newcastle for a discontented Isak. Eddie Howe's team kicks off their campaign without him at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Tensions are also expected to reach a peak between Liverpool and the Magpies when the Reds head to St James' Park for their second Premier League match of the season.
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