Liverpool are eager to reclaim the Premier League title this season, and it is not beyond the realm of possibility. Yet the partnership between FSG and Arne Slot works so well precisely because they are not fixated on short-term triumphs, but instead balance immediate ambitions with a long-term vision of sustained success.
Signings such as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz may have the quality to propel the Reds towards silverware right away, but the bigger picture lies in Slot’s wider strategy. These high-profile acquisitions are less about short bursts of glory and more about laying the foundation for continued dominance.
In essence, Liverpool have been meticulous in their transfer dealings, taking care to ensure every detail aligns with their plan to remain at the top over the long haul. While Wirtz is widely viewed as the marquee addition of the summer, it is Ekitike who has made the more explosive start on Merseyside, justifying the hefty investment made in him.
Ekitike joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79m, and his early displays suggest he could be more than just an improvement on Darwin Nunez. He has the potential to become Liverpool’s defining number nine. With two goals and an assist in his first two appearances, he has already provided a platform to build upon, and supporters sense that Slot has secured a special talent.
His performance against Bournemouth last Friday underlined his versatility, combining a striker’s instinct for goals with link-up play and physical tenacity, winning five duels in the process. Whether Ekitike goes on to establish himself as a superstar on the level of Mohamed Salah or even a talisman in the mould of Luis Suarez remains uncertain, but he has certainly hit the ground running.
Even so, the Frenchman will not be without competition, and the battle for his place in the side over the course of the season could be fierce.
Liverpool Prepare Late Offer to Sign Ekitike rival
According to Spanish outlet, Liverpool remain undeterred by the numerous hurdles in their pursuit of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, with claims they are preparing a major new bid.
It is reported that Liverpool are ready to ‘take a giant step’ by tabling an offer in the region of €160m (£138m) to try to persuade Newcastle to sell.
Isak recently made a strong statement expressing his wish to leave St James’ Park, accusing the club’s hierarchy of breaking promises. However, PIF have so far refused to grant the 25-year-old striker his desired exit.
The question now is whether he will be wearing Liverpool colours within the next fortnight. Isak is said to be eager to join the Merseyside club, though their opening bid of £110m was swiftly turned down.
For any deal to progress, cooperation will be needed from Newcastle, but as things stand, there is little indication that the Magpies are willing to soften their stance.
Why Liverpool Still Want Isak
It is worth noting that the closing stages of the summer transfer window are often chaotic, and Liverpool’s prospects of signing Isak would rise significantly if Newcastle complete a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and then pursue another forward. Such a move would suggest their acceptance that Isak must be replaced and sold before the deadline, though that is far from certain.
Liverpool could certainly benefit from a striker of Isak’s calibre, even with Hugo Ekitike making an impressive start. The Swedish international’s blend of finishing ability and athleticism has established him as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer once describing him as “world-class” — though whether he would still offer that praise under the current circumstances is debatable.
In the previous campaign, Isak registered 27 goals and six assists as Newcastle secured a Champions League return and lifted the Carabao Cup, netting against Liverpool in the Wembley final. Should Liverpool succeed in landing him, he has the qualities to rank among the very best to have worn the number nine shirt at Anfield.
Perhaps he could follow in the mould of Luis Suarez, a relentless striker whose predatory instincts, intelligent movement and ruthless edge made him one of the most celebrated forwards in Premier League history.
Luis Suarez is rightly regarded as one of the finest players of the modern Premier League era, almost carrying Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool to their first-ever league crown in 2013/14 with a remarkable 31 goals in just 33 appearances.
Widely remembered as one of the most unplayable forwards of his generation, it is intriguing to draw comparisons between Suarez’s impact in England and the Premier League journey of Alexander Isak, with several fascinating parallels to highlight.
| Alexander Isak (NUFC) vs Luis Suarez (LFC) | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | Isak | Suarez |
| Games | 109 | 133 |
| Goals | 62 | 82 |
| Goal rate | 0.57 | 0.62 |
| Assists | 11 | 32 |
| Assist rate | 0.10 | 0.24 |
| G/A rate | 0.67 | 0.86 |
| Data via Transfermarkt | ||
There is no denying Suarez offered greater flair from a creative perspective, but that should not be seen as a criticism of Isak, who earns £120,000 a week and is regarded as one of the most well-rounded strikers in world football.
According to statistical analysis from data-driven platform FBref, Isak shares similarities with Ekitike, which could give Slot a versatile forward who blends qualities of both players. Fabrizio Romano has even described him as a “machine” in front of goal.
It is impressive that Isak’s goals-per-game record at Newcastle only falls short of Suarez’s during his time at Liverpool, and he also brings mobility and creativity, traits mirrored in Liverpool’s new forward, Ekitike.
FBref highlight that, while Isak is primarily a lethal goalscorer, he also ranks in the top 18% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
Ekitike is undoubtedly an exciting prospect, but Isak offers a more complete and polished profile, capable of challenging the Frenchman while providing echoes of Suarez within Slot’s ambitious squad.
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