Hugo Ekitike warned to brace for bench duty behind 'far better' Alexander Isak at Liverpool once British record signing is fully fit

Hugo Ekitike has been told to brace for bench duty behind "far better" Liverpool team-mate Alexander Isak once the British record signing regains full fitness. Ekitike and Isak both joined the Reds this summer as the champions spent heavily in the transfer window to bolster their attack. However, Isak only moved on deadline day and didn't get a full pre-season after essentially going on strike at Newcastle.

Hugo Ekitike warned to brace for bench duty behind 'far better' Alexander Isak at Liverpool once British record signing is fully fitHugo Ekitike warned to brace for bench duty behind 'far better' Alexander Isak at Liverpool once British record signing is fully fitHugo Ekitike warned to brace for bench duty behind 'far better' Alexander Isak at Liverpool once British record signing is fully fit

The Isak transfer saga lasted throughout the summer window as Newcastle initially refused to sanction his departure. The international was banished from Eddie Howe’s first-team training during pre-season and Isak also accused the club of “broken promises” in a public statement. However, the club eventually sold Isak once the Reds agreed to pay a British record transfer fee of £125 million ($171m).

Isak was left out of Arne Slot’s squad for last weekend’s مباراة ضد and is still waiting to make his debut for . Slot has included the Swede in his plans for the Reds’ افتتاحية ضد , but has also confirmed he is not yet ready to play full 90 minute games.

Ekitike made a dream start to his campaign at Anfield as he equalled a 12-year-old Daniel Sturridge record by scoring in his first three appearances for the Reds. However, former assistant coach Rene Meulensteen believes that Isak will take the Frenchman’s place once he regains full fitness.

Speaking to football betting site BetVictor Meulensteen said: “Hugo Ekitike will be replaced by Alexander Isak, who is a far better, more rounded player with more Premier League experience. This also gives Liverpool the option to play with two strikers, as both can play the ball and create in-depth. While I don’t think this will happen quickly or often, it is an option. If Isak is fit and ready, I can definitely see him coming in. Given the numerous Premier League, Cup, and Champions League games, you need all your players. I can see Isak coming in for Ekitike, and Ekitike is a good player to bring in from the bench.”

Arne Slot’s side will kick off their 2025-26 Champions League campaign on Wednesday night when they take on Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Liverpool will then turn their attention to a huge Merseyside صدام ضد في.يوم السبت.