Arne Slot Reveals Liverpool's Bold Strategy to Land Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has revealed his intentions to deploy new acquisition Hugo Ekitiké in partnership with another central forward, as the Reds continue their pursuit of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
Following a rejected bid for Isak earlier in the transfer window, Liverpool completed the signing of Ekitiké ahead of Newcastle in a deal valued at £79 million ($107 million), which subsequently led to Isak's public desire to depart St. James' Park.
Liverpool's £110 million offer for Isak was unsuccessful, and they are now contemplating an enhanced proposal for the striker who has withdrawn from Newcastle training and reportedly refuses to play for the club again.
The continued pursuit of Isak immediately after securing Ekitiké has raised questions about Liverpool's tactical plans for the French striker, though Slot has expressed his willingness to field both players simultaneously.
When asked specifically about his strategy for Ekitiké during the ongoing Isak situation, Slot informed Sky Sports: "I view Hugo primarily as a central striker who can also operate from the left wing or partner with another No. 9.
"It's evident that with Darwin [Núñez] departed, with Luis Díaz gone, and considering we had five or six attacking options last season—including Diogo [Jota], who deserves mention—we require at least one additional forward."
Strengthening the attack remains a crucial priority for Slot who, despite recognizing his team's achievements last season, believes Liverpool requires another new addition, Florian Wirtz, to reach the next tier.
"I believe we generated the highest number of chances in the division, netted the most goals in the league, yet we predominantly secured victories by single-goal margins," he stated. "We needed to maintain clean sheets to have realistic winning opportunities.
"By incorporating Florian, particularly in specific matches, we anticipate and hope to generate more from our ball possession. Adding two fullbacks capable of continuous overlapping and underlapping runs for the full 90 minutes, plus a No. 9 who poses a significant threat with runs behind the defense, should collectively enhance our creativity beyond last season's output, while maintaining our defensive solidity."
Liverpool commence their Premier League campaign on Friday in the opening match of the new season when Bournemouth visit Anfield.