[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] May 26, 2025; Liverpool, UNITED KINGDOM; Liverpool players celebrate after winning the Premier League on the bus during the Liverpool football club victory parade. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

soccer

Isak vs Ekitike: Analysing Liverpool’s Striker Dilemma in the Summer Window

Defending Premier League champions Liverpool’s search for a new No. 9 has narrowed down to two rising stars of European football — Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. With Darwin Nunez’s form fluctuating amid ongoing talks of a move, and the club needing more firepower up front, the Reds are moving aggressively in the market.

The Reds have signed Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremy Frimpong and Mamardashvili this window and now the question is: do they go big for Newcastle’s clinical finisher, or bet on Frankfurt’s all-round forward?

Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week that Liverpool have entered “club-to-club talks” with Newcastle for Isak. However, the Magpies unwilling to sell unless a £150 million bid comes in. Liverpool have also opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for Ekitike as an alternative following Newcastle’s stance.

BREAKING: Liverpool are expected to rival Newcastle for Hugo Ekitike after being told Alexander Isak is not for sale in this window 🚨 pic.twitter.com/wbSRjjtNzy
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2025

Alexander Isak: The Premier League-Proven Finisher

When Newcastle United signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022, few predicted he would become one of the most lethal finishers in England. But with 45 goals in two Premier League seasons, the Swedish international has done just that. His movement, calm finishing, and ability to turn half-chances into goals have made him a standout.

ALSO READ: Premier League 2025/26 Season Odds: Outrights, Predictions, Betting Tips and More

Despite Liverpool entering direct talks with Newcastle this week, the Magpies are unwilling to sell, slapping a valuation of over £150 million on their star striker. That price — and Newcastle’s stance — could prove too tall a hurdle, even for a club of Liverpool’s ambition.

Ekitike: The All-Rounder with Explosive Potential

Should Isak prove unattainable, Liverpool have a clear Plan B in Hugo Ekitike — a player who could turn out to be a bargain. The 22-year-old Frenchman scored 15 goals in 33 games for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, 14 of which were non-penalty strikes.

Emitike’s playing style is strikingly similar to Isak’s, but with a stronger presence in duels and a tendency to drop deeper and contribute to build-up play. The French striker has already agreed to an Anfield move in principle, and Frankfurt are reportedly open to negotiations. His versatility, ball-carrying ability, and raw athleticism could suit Jürgen Klopp’s system to perfection — particularly in high-intensity, pressing setups.

COMPARED: Hugo Ekitiké vs. Alexander Isak per 90 in the league in 2024/25. 😎 pic.twitter.com/pD8I5A6yHH
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 17, 2025

Beyond the Box: Who Fits Slot’s System?

Modern strikers aren’t just poachers; they are link men, duel winners, and pressing machines. Here, Ekitike holds an edge. He’s more aggressive in duels, can hold up play, and drifts deeper to create.

Under Arne Slot’s pressing-heavy, possession-oriented system, Ekitike’s all-round profile could be a smoother tactical fit—especially given that Florian Wirtz will be feeding the forward line.

Isak, however, is the more polished and proven finisher at the elite level, and could be the game-changer in big moments—a role Liverpool may need in a busy Champions League campaign. Both bring value, but only one may wear red next season. Slot’s final call could define Liverpool’s front line for years to come.