Liverpool’s Frontline Revolution: Why Ekitike and Isak May Sign a Tactical Shift
Because the summer season switch window heats up, Liverpool’s intent to evolve below Arne Slot is turning into clearer with each transfer. On the newest version of The Each day Crimson Podcast by Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick unpacked the potential double signing of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, and what that might imply for a Liverpool aspect trying to reshape its ahead line and problem on all fronts.
Ekitike arrival indicators renewed quantity 9 technique
James Pearce’s report about Hugo Ekitike’s medical in Hong Kong dominated the early dialogue. As Hendrick put it, “The deal is 69 million kilos set and 10 million in add-ons… Right here’s hoping we’re paying 79 million for the fella. Right here’s hoping he delivers.” Hendrick confidently in contrast the overall monetary outlay to Manchester United’s transfer for Bryan Mbeumo, asserting that Liverpool’s construction is extra environment friendly within the long-term.
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He highlighted how this transfer displays not simply necessity but additionally strategic design. “We want a quantity 9. We’re determined for a quantity 9. Darwin has not labored out,” Hendrick declared. He contextualised this by pointing to the tragic passing of Diogo Jota as a compounding think about Liverpool’s want for central attacking reinforcements.
Ekitike’s profile is described as growing into one thing extra “Benzema Bobby kind,” which Hendrick clarified by saying: “In case you take a look at 2022 Isak, the one Newcastle purchased, and 2025 Hugo, they’re very, very comparable. Close to on carbon copies.” The comparability set the inspiration for the concept each gamers, although stylistically evolving, are tactically suitable.
Isak curiosity not useless — and Howe’s quotes gas it
Hendrick was emphatic that the Isak hyperlinks are removed from over. “Proper now, no one, and I imply no one, has dominated out Isak,” he insisted, citing the combined messages from Newcastle and supervisor Eddie Howe. “Eddie Howe doesn’t shut down the concept Isak might depart. In truth, he pours extra gas on the hearth.”
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Hendrick additionally dissected a captivating state of affairs concerning Saudi involvement: “What it appears like is Newcastle attempting to push us larger with a bid the place they will declare we obtained provided 150 million from Al Hilal… and if we match it, they get the 150 million they wished.”
Such manoeuvres trace at high-stakes negotiation, however Hendrick nonetheless sees Liverpool as a real vacation spot, calling into query whether or not Isak would ever go to Saudi Arabia at this level in his profession.
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Why each might match collectively in Liverpool’s setup
Somewhat than pit Ekitike and Isak in opposition to one another, Hendrick proposed a setup the place each co-exist. “Now for us, it could imply a change in form… It might be to that 4-2-2-2,” he defined. With Florian Wirtz anticipated to function in a artistic function, the thought of Mo Salah, Isak and Ekitike rotating throughout two positions turns into a viable and intriguing proposition.
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When it comes to workload, the minutes stack up: “Isak tops out at in all probability 3,500 minutes in a season. And Hugo proper now in all probability about 3,000 minutes in a season.” Hendrick believes that if Liverpool do signal Isak, it “gained’t pull us off” Ekitike.
Howe’s Newcastle not tactically fitted to each
What units Liverpool aside on this equation is tactical suitability. “Newcastle couldn’t [play both], as a result of primary, they’re a counterattacking crew,” Hendrick famous. In distinction, “We dominate the ball and I believe we’ll see much more of that this season.”
The implication is evident, Isak and Ekitike may not operate collectively at St. James’ Park, however below Arne Slot, Liverpool might supply the best system for each to thrive in tandem.
