Former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips thinks Liverpool might be creating problems for themselves by signing Alexander Isak, having already bought Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool have been warned that signing both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike could prove problematic. The Reds are in the midst of an audacious summer transfer window, having already shattered their club record outlay with £268million spent so far.
That figure could soar toward – or even exceed – the £400m mark if they land Isak, with the Newcastle forward expected to cost between £120m and £150m – assuming the Magpies, who remain adamant he’s not for sale, can be persuaded to part ways. But while Liverpool fans might be licking their lips at the prospect of both Isak linking up with Ekitike, fresh off his blockbuster £79m arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, Shaun Wright-Phillips has raised a red flag.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City star reckons the strikers may struggle to coexist in the same line-up, meaning one of them will inevitably have to drop to the bench. This, Wright-Phillips believes, could create friction or even a clash of egos within the squad.
“In terms of the saga, now that Liverpool have Ekitike, I don’t think it’s that important to sign Isak,” Wright-Phillips, 43, told Ace Odds. “They’re putting themselves in a position where they just paid £70-80m for one, and right now he’s their main No. 9.
“When you’re going to pay £120m for somebody, he’s going to start. You can’t pay £120m and he’s not starting for your team.
“So there’s one conflict there that may start a bad egg. Because we don’t know Ekitike’s personality to that degree. If he’s not playing, how is he going to be?”
Liverpool’s attacking depth is already enviable, with players like Mohamed Salah, Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and British-record signing Florian Wirtz all vying for spots. Adding another high-profile striker to the mix risks creating a logjam, where minutes on the pitch become a source of tension.
Despite his 22-goal haul in Germany last season, Ekitike, 23, has yet to prove himself in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Isak, 25, has established himself as one of the league’s – and the world’s – most lethal marksmen, scoring 52 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.
Both players are undeniably talented, but their ability to coexist in a squad where only one can realistically lead the line is uncertain. Liverpool made Isak their No. 1 attacking target earlier in the window, but after being told the Swede wasn’t for sale at any price, they pivoted to Ekitike.
However, shortly after the Frenchman’s move to Anfield was confirmed, Isak began agitating for a move of his own. The former Real Sociedad striker opted out of Newcastle’s overseas pre-season tour in what appears to be an attempt to push through a transfer. For now, though, the Magpies are holding their ground.
Liverpool tested the waters with a £120m bid earlier this month, but it was swiftly rejected. The Reds are not expected to return with an improved offer unless there’s a clear shift in Newcastle’s stance – something Isak himself may ultimately force.
Wright-Phillips’ warning about cohesion isn’t without precedent. Football history is littered with examples of star-studded squads undone by dressing-room disharmony.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has emphasised unity and work rate since taking over, but managing two big-money strikers with big expectations could test his man-management skills.
On the flip side, Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak suggests confidence in their ability to balance a star-heavy squad. The club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, has a track record of making calculated moves.
Ekitike’s versatility – he can play across the front line – could complement Isak’s more traditional No. 9 role, potentially allowing both to thrive. Slot’s tactical flexibility, combined with his preference for high, attacking full-backs providing width, may also create the ideal framework for such a pairing – with Ekitike likely being given the freedom to drift inside from a wide starting position, making space for overlapping runs and linking up with Isak centrally.
However, the financial and emotional investment in both players raises the stakes. Liverpool fans will hope the club’s gamble pays off, but as Wright-Phillips cautions, the Reds must tread carefully to avoid a costly clash of egos that could disrupt their season.
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