Ali Barat is the agent of Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool are still lacking following a record-breaking summer, as Arne Slot still stares into the void of the backline. The defensive depth at Anfield has been a topic of hot discussion among the experts.
The Reds were unable to complete the transfer of Marc Guéhi to Merseyside. Newcastle United flirted till deadline day, but a failure to find their own replacement meant they pulled back on the deal.
Now, Conor Bradley has raised injury concerns for Liverpool as the Northern Irishman faced a minor issue during the Green and White Army’s 3-1 loss to Germany.
This pulls the strings further in the backline as Arne Slot will be sweating to cover the goal till January. Luckily, for the manager, he was able to secure the frontline with blockbuster signings all summer.
Alexander Isak joined the Reds on deadline day following a British record-breaking deal of £125m. Newcastle United were reluctant, but a social media confession by Isak made the Magpies give up on their precious gem.
However, Liverpool already had backups ready if an Isak deal didn’t materialise. If only they had thought of similar hedges against Marc Guéhi.
Anyways, after taking a close look at the Tyneside club’s early reluctance, Liverpool chose to fly south-east for their pursuits.
Quiz: Can you name these 10 Liverpool players from the 2000s?
Hugo Ekitike agent reveals how Liverpool hijacked Newcastle deal
As the Reds landed in Frankfurt, they decided to sign French talent Hugo Ekitike. The Reims-born striker, though, would’ve departed for the North East of the Isles if Slot and Co. had delayed the talks any further.
Ekitike’s agent, Ali Barat, told TuttoSport that a deal to Newcastle United was almost done before Liverpool came into the picture.
The super agent was asked:
“Is there a player you would have liked to transfer during this summer transfer window but weren’t able to secure?”
To which he replied, “Hugo Ekitike. I was working on behalf of Eintracht Frankfurt to bring him to Newcastle. I stayed in Germany for ten days. We agreed everything with the German club and the player, then Liverpool called him and he chose Anfield.”
Maybe Liverpool would’ve secured Alexander Isak earlier if they hadn’t let the Frenchman slip away. This would’ve allowed the Reds management to focus back on the back four.
Anyways, it was probably for the better as Slot still got his hands on two world-class strikers in a single transfer window. Yes, he missed out on a defender, but it seems like a temporary condition and will be addressed in January.
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