Is Hugo Ekitike Ready for Tough Competition at Liverpool with Isak's Signing?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ekitike welcomes competition from new signing Isak.
- He has scored three goals in his initial matches.
- Open to adapting his role on the team.
- Feeling the pressure of being a Premier League champion.
- Strong previous performance at Eintracht Frankfurt.
New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has shown great excitement over the club’s major signing of Alexander Isak, describing the competition for positions within the squad as an exhilarating challenge.
The Swedish forward transferred from Newcastle United in a British record deal valued at £125 million, while Ekitike himself became Liverpool’s third most expensive acquisition of the summer, following Isak and Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £100 million plus add-ons.
Ekitike has had a strong beginning to his career at Anfield, netting three goals in his first four matches for the reigning Premier League champions.
In a conversation with reporters on Sunday, Ekitike recognized the challenge posed by the record signing Isak but embraced the competition.
"Playing for top teams means you should anticipate competing with elite players. Isak is someone I admired, and it's a joy to see him join. It will be fierce competition, but I’m dedicated to working hard to excel and make it a challenge for the coach," he remarked.
The French striker joined Liverpool this summer after a remarkable 2024–25 season with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches, which earned him a lucrative move.
Ekitike is still waiting for news on whether he will make his first senior start for France in the upcoming match against Iceland. At the club level, the Liverpool striker has indicated his readiness to adapt his role if another forward is integrated into the lineup.
He suggested the left wing as a possible position he could assume, although that role is currently filled by Cody Gakpo, who has played in all four of Liverpool’s matches this season, contributing one goal and two assists.
In an interview with French media, the 22-year-old acknowledged that he enjoys the increased pressure and attention that comes with playing for the reigning Premier League champions.
"My life has certainly changed. It's a significant move and I’m under much more scrutiny, but I view it positively; it’s truly rewarding. It’s the situation I aimed for," he said.
"With such high standards, you must prove you deserve to be here and consistently perform. But it’s a role I cherish and wish to maintain."