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Liverpool‘s new signing turned in a terrific display on his Premier League debut to register a goal and an assist.

Ekitike’s performance led to further questions of whether Liverpool really need to sign top target Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

Liverpool have been pushing to sign Isak who has seemingly gone on strike at Newcastle.



“The news I broke in the week was that Alexander Isak has no intention to play for Newcastle United again.

“What we know is that Newcastle have no intention of selling him and they’ve been clear and consistent in that for a long time.

“And they’d be ready to bid should they receive encouragement should Newcastle get their replacements.

“In his [Isak’s] mind, he let Newcastle know about his intentions as long as a year ago when they told him there would be no new contract.

People in Newcastle I talk to deny that.

“Isak hasn’t played a pre-season friendly, he’s not going to be playing for Newcastle at Aston Villa tomorrow.

I can’t say which way it’s going to go, it feels in the balance, but he certainly wants that move to Liverpool.”

Although Isak has seemingly always been the dream target for Liverpool this summer, Ekitike has perhaps taken that personally.

The Frenchman was excellent in the Community Shield last weekend and was bang at it again on Friday night.

His goal was beautifully taken, and Ekitike then claimed an assist to boot with a lay-off for Cody Gakpo.

However, although the 23-year-old was indeed terrific again for the Reds, the lack of depth in the Liverpool squad was on full display during a difficult evening.

Federico Chiesa saved it late for the Reds, but however good their options have come up on matchday one, there is a clear need for Isak still to join.
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