Former Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike appeared to respond to criticism of his celebration during Liverpool’s Community Shield match with Crystal Palace. The French Under-21 International marked his British football debut with a stunning solo goal past Dean Henderson.
The 23-year-old was celebrated by imitating a gesture that spoke with his hand after placing a realistic Premier League champion first. This comes just a few weeks after he rejected Newcastle for a move northwest and amid the continued uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isaac.
Liverpool defeated Newcastle to sign Eintrak Frankfurt after the Bundesliga club turned down a £70 million bid from Magpies. After he moved to the Reds, there was a suggestion that he would not work much in Liverpool’s starting lineup due to existing options.
But with Louis Diaz and Darwin Nunes leaving, Liverpool faces weeks of busy transfer windows to bolster their offensive options.
They have shown great interest in ISAK and have already placed a £110 million bid that was rejected by Newcastle. The Swedish striker was forced to train on his own after expressing his desire to leave St. James Park with interest from Liverpool.
Former Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray suggested that Ekitique’s celebration was a message to Anfield’s boss about his location in an offensive pecking order at Merseyside, especially as speculation around Isaac is growing.
“It’s two new guys. Wirtz plays it to Ekitike and he bumps it into Dean Henderson low and violently,” he said.
“There was a lot of noise about Alexander Isaac, but Ekitique blocks the noise and says, ‘I’m here.’ ”
The transfer window was closed in September, and EddieHou faces a key market choice along with record purchases.
The latest activity from Liverpool has prompted former defender Jamie Carrager to question their strategies, particularly when it comes to pursuing Isaac.
“In terms of what Liverpool did by bringing players in the summer, they’re spending a lot of money and it doesn’t feel like Liverpool is the way to do things,” Karager said.
“Or if you hear about the long-standing supporters of the owner’s incident!
“He (Alexander Isaac) is an incredible signature, but from a fan’s perspective, he doesn’t want Liverpool to spend £150 million on Isaac. There’s something about Liverpool buying another striker (Hugo Ekichike).
“I saw Isaac and after Arsenal signed the striker, he clearly threw his toys out on the pram and Liverpool signed the striker. From his perspective, and from his agent’s perspective, did they say they wanted to move to Newcastle a few months ago?
“It feels a bit troubling right now. To me, when I think about Liverpool, it doesn’t seem like it’s really planned. I don’t think there’s any plan to buy a striker for £80 million and then buy another one for £120 million.”
