Liverpool may not be finished yet in the transfer market despite standing on the verge of a big-money deal to sign Hugo Ekitike.
The Reds are all set to bring Ekitike in as their new centre-forward after striking a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Initially, that had looked to end Liverpool‘s interest in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Liverpool made an approach to Newcastle for Isak on Tuesday, but subsequently pivoted to Ekitike once it became clear that the Magpies would not sell.
For a day or two, that looked to be that. However, after Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Celtic on Saturday, questions have started to be raised that the saga may not be over.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol certainly seems to think so, speculating on the reasons behind Eddie Howe leaving out his star striker.
Alexander Isak omission ‘makes no sense’
Isak was not the only Liverpool target who did not feature during his club’s scheduled game on Saturday. Ekitike was left out of Eintracht’s game against FSV Frankfurt as well.
Less than 24 hours on from that match, and the Frenchman is on his way to Liverpool.
Clearly, Isak’s saga will not be settled quite so quickly. But according to Nicol, the Swede’s omission from the match with Celtic could spell danger for Newcastle.
“You would have to think that Eddie Howe knows every step of every second that’s going on with this situation, because it’s huge,” the Liverpool legend told ESPN FC. “It’s the most important thing going on at Newcastle Football Club.”
READ MORE: When Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool will be completed after Eintracht Frankfurt agreement reached
“So, if Eddie Howe is confident that nothing’s going to happen and he’s not going anywhere, he has to be playing him, because he has to get him fit for the start of the season.
“It makes no sense that Alexander Isak doesn’t take part in this game,” Nicol adds.
“Maybe he’s been told that something’s going on and you can’t play him in case he gets injured, that’s what happens. If Isak plays against Celtic and gets injured, that’s £150m down the drain. So, there’s definitely something.”
Liverpool get ‘Here We Go’ on Ekitike
While the Isak situation rumbles on in the background, Liverpool are all but there with Ekitike.
As per journalist Fabrizio Romano on Sunday, a deal to bring the 23-year-old to Anfield has moved to the final stages of completion.
“Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, here we go!” said the journalist, using his well-worn catchphrase.
“Deal in place for fee over €90m [£78m] for the French striker to join from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially reaching €95m [£82m]. Six year deal for Ekitike, valid until June 2031; he only wanted Liverpool move. New striker for Slot.”
Will Isak be joining the former PSG man in a new-look front line? Only time will tell.
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