Featured Image Credit: Nikki Dyer - LFC / Contributor via Getty
Topics: Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Premier League, Arne Slot
James Taylor
Topics: Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Premier League, Arne Slot
Alexander Isak's immediate reaction to Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike before him has emerged.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, there was widespread speculation that the Premier League champions would seek to reinforce with a new striker. Liverpool's initial approach to Newcastle United for Alexander Isak was rebuffed, which prompted them to turn their focus to Ekitike.
In July, they completed a deal for the Frenchman worth an initial £69m, sparking debate over whether that meant the end of their pursuit for Isak. Earlier that month, the Swedish forward had travelled with his Newcastle teammates for a training camp in Austria.
But according to The Athletic once Ekitike's move to Liverpool was confirmed, Isak's mood changed. He was ruled out of Newcastle's friendly with Celtic with what the club described as a 'minor injury'.
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And he then refused to join the squad on their preseason tour, while the club continued to report that he was struggling with a minor thigh injury.
The saga finally came to a close on deadline day as Liverpool broke the British transfer record for the second time this summer.
Isak joined for £125m, a fee which Newcastle claim could rise to £130m with potential add-ons.
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He has signed a six-year contract at Anfield and taken the iconic number nine shirt.
After Ekitike's superb start to life in England, many fans are wondering how Arne Slot will accommodate both of his new forwards.
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The Frenchman scored just four minutes into the Community Shield and followed that up with goals against both AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle.
The 23-year-old's impressive form has seen him nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for August, alongside his teammate Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite Ekitike's impressive start, Isak is expected to lead the line once he is fully fit.
The Swede bagged 23 league goals last season, second only to Mo Salah, who had another outstanding campaign.
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Although the Egyptian winger has made a slow start to the season, he has been integral to Liverpool for years and is unlikely to be dropped.
Cody Gakpo has started the season well, but he is the most likely to make way if Arne Slot wants to start both Isak and Ekitike.
Although there are selection dilemmas for the Dutch manager, he is in a strong position for a long campaign.
Last season, they played 56 competitive matches, so if Liverpool have a deeper run into the FA Cup and Champions League, they may surpass the 60-game mark.