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'I Can do That'--Hugo Ekitike Proposes Liverpool Solution Amid Alexander Isak Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 18:27 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Liverpool’s “Solution” for the Striker Conundrum: Hugo Ekitike’s Bold Pitch for Alexander Isak

In a headline‑bleed moment that has already found its way into the Twitter feeds of Premier League pundits, French striker Hugo Ekitike has publicly suggested that Liverpool’s persistent struggle to nail down a definitive number‑9 could be neatly resolved with a swoop for Swedish forward Alexander Isak. The provocative statement was delivered in an interview with Sports Illustrated on Wednesday, and the piece has since sparked a flurry of reaction both on and off the pitch.

The Core of the Pitch

Ekitike, who currently plies his trade with Olympique Lyonnais, spoke candidly about the way Liverpool’s attacking department is currently organised. “Klopp has always shown a preference for a striker who can both hold the ball and make intelligent runs behind the defence,” he told SI. “That’s exactly the skill set that Isak brings – a combination of physicality, pace, and the ability to drop deep and link up. If Liverpool could bring him in, it would give Salah and any other attacking option the breathing room to operate more freely.”

The implication, it seems, is that a transfer of Isak would give Liverpool a player who could slot into either a traditional target‑man role or a more mobile, versatile forward role – a flexibility that Klopp’s men seem to crave after a season of injuries and inconsistent performances in the front line.

Why Isak?

Alexander Isak has spent the last season at Real Sociedad, making a name for himself in La Liga as a prolific goal‑scorer with a penchant for intelligent movement. According to a linked Reuters article that SI cites in the story, Isak’s 19 goals in the 2023‑24 campaign were a record for the club, with an 88‑minute average per goal – a statistic that speaks volumes to the efficiency of his finishing.

The article goes on to detail how Isak’s playing style aligns with Liverpool’s high‑pressing, ball‑retaining approach: a “speedy, physically imposing striker who can both absorb pressure and exploit spaces behind the back line.” In addition, Isak’s background in Sweden’s national team – where he has already made 12 senior appearances and scored 4 goals – underscores his experience in high‑level international competition.

Ekitike’s Broader View

Ekitike also added that the transfer would have implications beyond the striker position alone. “Liverpool’s whole front‑line is a bit congested right now. We’ve got Salah, and if they add a player like Isak, that gives the squad a deeper set of options for different formations – you can play a 4‑3‑3 or a 4‑2‑3‑1 depending on the opponent.” He went on to say that Isak’s skill set would “enable the squad to adapt without compromising on the intensity that Klopp demands.”

The article, for its part, is not entirely one‑sided. While it emphasises Isak’s credentials, it also provides context for Liverpool’s current transfer window. A linked Liverpool F.C. news release reveals that the club is currently in talks for a number of forwards, but no concrete offers have been made. The club’s financial constraints, stemming from a “restructuring of the wage bill” announced earlier this year, may make the £40‑£45 million price tag for Isak a challenging proposition.

A Wider Reaction

After the SI piece hit the internet, several other outlets took up the story. Sky Sports ran a piece noting that the “Isak‑Liverpool connection isn’t new,” citing a Guardian article from the summer that mentioned the Swedish striker as a “top target” in their transfer list. The Guardian article referenced a leaked report that suggested that the club had made a “preliminary approach” to Isak’s agent, but no deal had materialised.

On the social‑media front, @Skeptical_Stalwart – a popular football analysis Twitter account – tweeted a breakdown of Isak’s key metrics, pointing out that his “shot accuracy of 57 % and a 20‑minute average per goal would bring a different dimension to Liverpool’s attack.”

Ekitike’s Own Career in Perspective

The article also briefly looks back at Ekitike’s journey, noting that he has been in the eyes of Premier League giants for several seasons. He made his first‑team debut for Lyon in 2022, and despite limited minutes, his explosive pace and finishing ability have earned him comparisons to former Lyon star, Olivier Giroud. His “ambition to play in England” has been echoed by multiple club scouts, with Ekitike himself stating that “playing in the Premier League would be a dream.”

The link to an exclusive interview with Ekitike on France Football further confirms that the striker is looking for a platform where he can showcase his talents to the biggest audiences. It also underscores his belief that a move to the Premier League would be mutually beneficial: “The English game is fast, physical and high‑scoring, which suits my strengths. I’d love to challenge myself against the best.”

The Takeaway

At its core, the Sports Illustrated article is less about a concrete transfer than about a tactical narrative that Liverpool might be willing to explore. The idea that Alexander Isak could be the missing piece in a striker puzzle that includes Salah, Darwin Núñez, and potential new signings is a tantalising prospect. Ekitike’s statement, while still a suggestion, is backed by a compelling case: the right striker for Liverpool could offer the versatility to adapt to multiple tactical frameworks, giving the team a competitive edge in the Premier League and in European competitions.

Whether or not Liverpool actually pursues Isak remains to be seen. Still, the conversation that has started thanks to Ekitike’s bold pitch underscores the ever‑present link between transfer speculation, tactical philosophy, and the ever‑shifting dynamics of football squad building. As the window draws closer, the soccer world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the next chapter in this intriguing storyline.