Newcastle United weren’t very keen on selling Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window. The Magpies were preparing for replacements, but Liverpool swooped in and took it all from them.
The Reds were trying to sign Isak throughout the transfer window, but the Tyneside club always seemed reluctant. This was partly because they were searching for a replacement of their own to continue their upward trajectory under new management.
Hugo Ektike was meant to be the Swede’s replacement for Eddie Howe. Unfortunately, though, the Merseysiders made a move for Ekitike as a move for Isak looked distant.
This led to Newcastle deciding to latch onto Alexander Isak, as there would be no replacements for the striker left. However, the 25-year-old’s behaviour made it difficult for the club to keep the striker.
It was just a loss for all the parties involved if the 6-feet-4 striker had continued at St. James Park. For the Toon Army, it would just be a useless expense as Isak wasn’t training or playing with the first team since pre-season.
This led to the club giving in on deadline day. Arne Slot made a deal worth £125m on the 1st of September to get the Swedish striker to Anfield.
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Ekitike Liverpool doubtful if the Isak transfer was open information
Hugo Ekitike wouldn’t have joined Liverpool if Alexander Isak were priority (Credits: Imago Images)
Hugo Ekitike was a hedge against the Alexander Isak bet. However, French football expert Julien Laurens claims that the France international wouldn’t have been at Liverpool at all.
Alexander Isak started for Liverpool in their 3-2 home win against Atlético de Madrid, and it already seems like Slot favours the Swede over Ekitike.
“I really don’t think so, no. He signed after a first approach from Liverpool to Newcastle for Isak, when they closed the door. That was before Isak went on strike and stopped training with them, and then Liverpool reverted to Ekitike, who was on his way to Newcastle because he was supposed to be the replacement, or to play together if nobody came for Isak.”
“We knew that as soon as Isak was fit that the one to be dropped was Ekitike. It was just very clear. Can they play together? Of course they can. You could play Ekitike from the start, but off the left, but that’s not really his position. It was just one of Ekitike and Isak and it was never going to be Ekitike over Isak if Isak was fit”, Laurens told BBC Radio Five Live.
