When it seemed like the Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike transfer saga was reaching its final chapter, Liverpool confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt—appearing to end the debate about who would lead the Reds’ line next season. However, in a stunning twist, fresh reports suggest that Liverpool are also considering a move for Alexander Isak, the prolific Swedish striker currently at Newcastle United.

According to reliable sources, Isak has informed Newcastle that he is open to a move this summer, with Liverpool emerging as a serious destination. Adding fuel to the fire, reports indicate that some players within the Newcastle dressing room believe Isak will depart if Liverpool submit an official bid, based on growing behind-the-scenes activity over the last 48 hours.

This article delves deep into the Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike comparison, focusing on their performances from last season to determine whether Liverpool could benefit from signing both forwards, or if one is clearly more suited to the system Jürgen Klopp is building.

Statistically, the data reveals a complementary contrast: while Ekitike brings strong creative instincts and excels in link-up play, Isak thrives in more advanced areas, offering a potent goal threat and clinical finishing inside the box. In fact, Isak has shown a far greater ability to score goals than to create them, whereas Ekitike’s profile leans more toward a playmaking forward who can also finish when needed.

Could both players coexist at Anfield? Or is this a high-stakes competition to determine who becomes Liverpool’s long-term No.9? The numbers and profiles suggest that Ekitike and Isak could, in fact, thrive together, with Isak operating closer to goal and Ekitike supporting from deeper positions or the wide channels.

• Alexander Isak – Newcastle United’s lethal finisher – was Liverpool’s primary target, who would have brought proven Premier League experience and a track record of consistent goals.
• Hugo Ekitike – the Eintracht Frankfurt wonderkid – is a little high-upside gamble, a raw but exciting talent whose explosive potential may evoke memories of Erling Haaland’s meteoric rise when he swapped Germany for England.

This article argues that Hugo Ekitike is not just a strong alternative for Liverpool’s No.9 role, but also a highly compatible partner for Alexander Isak if both were deployed in the same frontline. At just 23, Ekitike offers an exciting blend of youth, athleticism, and untapped potential—qualities that could add a new dynamic to Liverpool’s attacking setup.

Beyond his finishing ability, Ekitike brings creativity, technical skill, and versatility. He can drop deep and operate as a No.10 when needed, linking play and supporting the wingers, all while maintaining his primary role as a striker.

This unique blend of attributes could transform Liverpool’s attacking strength and open the door for a formidable partnership with Florian Wirtz , another big-money summer signing for the Reds or even Alexander Isak if the Swedish striker joins Liverpool this summer.

So, how can Liverpool line up with Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz all in the same starting XI? In a modern 4-3-3 formation with a midfield diamond, Ryan Gravenberch could anchor the base of the pivot, allowing Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to operate as advanced attacking midfielders or free eights—playing just behind the front three of Luis Díaz, Alexander Isak, and Mohamed Salah.

This structure allows Wirtz to dictate the tempo in central areas with his elite vision and ball retention, while Ekitike provides intelligent movement, quick link-up play, and bursts into the box. Being right-footed, Ekitike also offers tactical flexibility—he could drift to the left wing and offer competition for Luis Díaz, especially if doubts remain over the Colombian’s future at Anfield. With this setup, Liverpool would boast a highly fluid, technical, and unpredictable attack—blending creativity, verticality, and scoring prowess.

Here’s a statistical shootout.

🔥Non-Penalty Goals per 90

Goals win titles, and non-penalty goals per 90 is the ultimate measure of how reliable a striker is without the help of spot-kicks.

Player	Club & Season	Non-Penalty Goals per 90	Percentile
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-25)	0.62	90th percentile (EPL)
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-25)	0.49	73rd percentile (Bundesliga)
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-22)	0.75	92nd percentile (Bundesliga)
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-23)	0.94	Elite (EPL)

✅ Isak – The Proven EPL Hitman
Isak’s 0.62 goals per 90 puts him firmly among the EPL’s elite, and his clinical finishing makes him a plug-and-play solution for Liverpool. He already thrives against Premier League defenses – a major advantage.

✅ Ekitike – The High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Ekitike’s 0.49 goals per 90 is decent, but far from elite. However, his percentile suggests room for growth, and history shows Bundesliga strikers often explode in the EPL when surrounded by top creators.

✅ Haaland Effect – A Blueprint for Ekitike?
Haaland jumped from 0.75 at Dortmund to 0.94 at Manchester City, proving that a striker’s numbers can improve with world-class service. If he switches to Liverpool this summer and with Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Dominik Szoboszlai supplying chances, Ekitike could experience a similar boost.

🔥 Verdict

Hugo Ekitike could explode like Haaland did – but only if Liverpool’s midfield feeds him sufficiently well. For Arne Slot, Ekitike can provide some guaranteed firepower while still being a future superstar in the making.

🎯 Conversion Rate (%) – Who Is More Clinical in Front of Goal?

Goals win titles, and non-penalty goals per 90 is a decent measure of how reliable a striker is without the help of spot-kicks.

Player	Club & Season	Conversion Rate (%)
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-25)	30.26%
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-25)	17.24%
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-22)	32.35%
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-23)	33.64%

✅ Isak – The Ice-Cold Finisher
With a 30.26% conversion rate, Isak is among the most clinical strikers in the Premier League. His composure and ability to finish in tight spaces make him a near-guaranteed source of goals.

✅ Ekitike – The Raw Talent with Room to Grow
Ekitike’s 17.24% conversion rate exposes his inconsistency, but it’s not the end of the story. At just 23, he still has time to develop into a sharper finisher.

✅ The Haaland Blueprint – Hope for Ekitike
Haaland’s conversion rate jumped from 32.35% at Dortmund to 33.64% at Manchester City thanks to better service and tactical support.

✅ If Hugo Ekitike joins Liverpool and applies the same relentless work ethic that made Erling Haaland a success, his improvement could be significant.

🔥 Verdict

For now now, Isak is the proven assassin Liverpool may need for instant goals. But for Liverpool, a long-term project with Haaland-like potential, Ekitike might just explode under the right conditions.

🔥 Shooting Ability Showdown: Isak vs Ekitike – Can He Hit Haaland Levels?

When it comes to shooting ability, only the deadliest strikers consistently hit the target. Let’s break down who’s more clinical between Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Shooting Accuracy (%) – The Numbers Don’t Lie

Player	Club (Season)	Shooting Accuracy (%)	Percentile
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	43.2%	68th
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	38.6%	50th
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	41.9%	–
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	45.7%	76th

Alexander Isak comes out on top in this duel, landing an impressive 43.2% of his shots on target – a number good enough for the 68th percentile among Europe’s top forwards. Hugo Ekitike, meanwhile, sits at 38.6%, placing him at the 50th percentile. The gap may only be 4.6%, but at the elite level, that’s a massive difference.

Look at Erling Haaland – his shooting accuracy jumped from 41.9% at Borussia Dortmund to 45.7% at Manchester City, pushing him into the 76th percentile of EPL strikers. If Ekitike adapts well to the Premier League’s tactical setups, a similar improvement could push him closer to Isak’s level – and maybe even into the conversation with Haaland.

🔥 Verdict

Right now, Alexander Isak is the more reliable finisher. But if Hugo Ekitike can replicate Haaland’s Bundesliga-to-EPL leap, we might soon be talking about him as one of the Premier League’s most clinical young strikers.

🎯 Shots on Target per 90 – Who’s the Real Goal Hunter?

If shooting accuracy tells us how cleanly a striker strikes the ball, shots on target per 90 reveal something even more crucial – goal hunger and elite positioning sense. This metric shows who constantly gets into scoring positions and tests the goalkeeper the most.

Shots on Target per 90 – The Numbers Behind the Firepower

Player	Club (Season)	Shots on Target per 90	Percentile
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	1.34	83rd
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	1.55	92nd
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	1.46	90th
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	1.72	96th

In this duel, Hugo Ekitike takes the crown. The French striker averaged 1.55 shots on target per 90, placing him in the 92nd percentile – elite numbers for a young striker. Alexander Isak, despite being more accurate overall, managed 1.34 shots on target per 90 (83rd percentile), proving he is more selective with his attempts.

Haaland went from 1.46 shots on target per 90 at Borussia Dortmund to an outrageous 1.72 per 90 at Manchester City, skyrocketing into the 96th percentile among EPL forwards.

🔥 Verdict

Hugo Ekitike looks like a striker with natural goal-scoring instincts, even edging Isak in this metric. If he improves his finishing consistency and lands in a system that feeds him well, we might be looking at the next big goal hunter in the Premier League.

If Ekitike makes a move to the Premier League and adapts like Haaland, his goal-scoring threat could explode – making him one of the most feared young strikers in England.

🎨 Creativity – Who Brings More to the Team Than Just Goals?

In modern football, a striker isn’t just judged by goals – the best forwards create scoring chances for teammates, making the attack unpredictable and dynamic. A creative striker allows teammates to switch positions, pull defenders out, and finish moves from unexpected angles.

📊 Assists per 90 – Who Sets Up More Goals?

Player	Club & Season	Assists per 90
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-25)	0.20
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-25)	0.28
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-22)	0.38
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-23)	0.26

✅ Ekitike – The Creative Force
With 0.28 assists per 90, Hugo Ekitike edges Isak in creativity. This could indicate that he thrives when dropping deep, linking up with midfielders, and feeding runners – a role similar to how Roberto Firmino used to combine with Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Like Firmino, Ekitike could allow Salah and Díaz to score more by dragging defenders away and slipping in clever passes.

✅ Isak – More of a Finisher Than a Creator
While Alexander Isak can combine with teammates, his 0.20 assists per 90 shows he is more of a traditional goal scorer than a playmaker. He’s clinical but doesn’t create as much as Ekitike.

✅ Haaland’s Example – A Tactical Shift Explains It All
Haaland had 0.38 assists per 90 at Borussia Dortmund, but this dropped to 0.26 at Manchester City – proof that league differences and tactical roles matter. At Dortmund, Haaland may have often dropped deep to create chances, but in the EPL, it seems he has been used more as a penalty-box predator due to the limited space to roam.

🔥 Verdict

If Liverpool were looking for a striker who can link play and add creative unpredictability, probably Ekitike wins this battle. His style may suit Arne Slot’s fluid attack more than Isak’s, especially if the Reds want their wingers to remain the main scorers.

However, if Liverpool wanted a ruthless finisher who focuses primarily on scoring, Isak could have been the safer choice, as his higher goal output but lower assist output compared to Ekitike suggests he may have been used more as a pure goal scorer.

🔑 Chances Created per 90 – The Creative Spark

One of the best ways to measure a striker’s creative value is by looking at chances created per 90 – this reflects how often a player crafts opportunities for others to score.

Player	Club & Season	Chances Created per 90
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024–25)	1.4
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024–25)	1.5
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021–22)	1.1
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022–23)	1.0

Once again, Hugo Ekitike edges ahead, albeit by a narrow margin. His 1.5 chances created per 90 slightly surpasses Isak’s 1.4, suggesting the French forward may have a slightly more refined instinct for unlocking defenses and setting up teammates.

Compared to Erling Haaland, who created 1.1 chances per 90 at Dortmund and slightly dropped to 1.0 after joining Manchester City, Ekitike’s numbers are promising. While the Bundesliga and Premier League differ in style and intensity, the data suggests Ekitike’s creativity may already be on par with, or even above, some of the league’s elite forwards.

🔥 Verdict

Although the difference is marginal, Ekitike appears to offer slightly more creativity in open play than Isak. This reinforces the idea that he may be well-suited for a role where fluidity, chance creation, and positional rotation are crucial.

According to Squawka, was one of the players with the most touches in the opposition’s box and successful take-ons in Europe.

🔗 Passing Accuracy (%) – Who’s the Better Link-Up Striker?

A modern striker isn’t just a goal-scorer – he’s also a key link in ball progression. Passing accuracy (%) shows how well a forward can retain possession, switch play, and combine with teammates. Here’s how Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Erling Haaland compare.

Passing Accuracy (%) – Keeping the Ball Moving

Player	Club (Season)	Passing Accuracy (%)	Percentile
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	75.3%	72nd
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	75.5%	92nd
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	69.5%	72nd
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	72.0%	53rd

The difference is slim, but Hugo Ekitike holds the edge with 75.5% passing accuracy, ranking in the 92nd percentile – far superior to Isak’s 75.3% (72nd percentile). This hints at Ekitike’s ability to play as a better link-up striker, combining effectively in tight spaces and keeping possession more consistently.

Erling Haaland improved his passing when he moved to the EPL, jumping from 69.5% at Borussia Dortmund to 72.0% at Manchester City.

🔥 Verdict

If Ekitike follows a similar path, adapting to the Premier League’s structured build-up play, his passing game could reach an even higher level, making him a complete forward.

🚀 Progressive Carrying Distance per 90 (Yards) – Who Drives Forward Better?

A striker who can carry the ball forward effectively is a nightmare for defenders. Progressive carrying distance per 90 measures how far a player advances the ball with his feet – showcasing ball control, dribbling confidence, and goal orientation.

Progressive Carrying Distance per 90 – Driving the Attack

Player	Club (Season)	Progressive Carrying Distance (Yards per 90)
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	53.69
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	41.82
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	37.06
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	30.78

In this battle, Alexander Isak is the clear winner. With an impressive 53.69 yards per 90, he carries the ball forward significantly more than Hugo Ekitike (41.82 yards per 90), showing superior ball control, dribbling confidence, and a stronger goal-oriented mindset.

Ekitike, while not poor in this aspect, seems to prefer a more link-up and positioning-based style rather than consistently driving at defenders.

🔥 Verdict

Ekitike’s 41.82 yards per 90 already beats Haaland’s Bundesliga numbers (37.06) and is miles ahead of Haaland’s 30.78 yards per 90 at Manchester City. But here’s the catch – Haaland’s progressive carrying dropped after moving to England, likely due to the tighter spaces and more compact defensive lines in the EPL.

If Ekitike moves to the Premier League, we may expect a slight reduction in his carrying numbers, just as Haaland experienced.

🛡️ Defensive Duties – The Striker Who Wins the Ball Back

While strikers are judged by goals, a forward who can also disrupt opposition build-up play gives his team a huge advantage. Interceptions per 90 reveal a striker’s ability to read passing lanes, anticipate moves, and win possession high up the pitch.

Interceptions per 90 – Who’s Doing the Dirty Work?

Player	Club (Season)	Interceptions per 90
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	0.10
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	0.25
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	0.05
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	0.10

This is where Hugo Ekitike stands out. The Frenchman averaged 0.25 interceptions per 90, more than twice Alexander Isak’s 0.10. His ability to read passes and apply pressure shows he can play in a high-pressing system, disrupting defenders and creating turnovers in dangerous areas.

Interestingly, Ekitike’s 0.25 interceptions per 90 is already much higher than Haaland’s 0.05 at Borussia Dortmund and even better than Haaland’s 0.10 after joining Manchester City. If Ekitike follows a similar developmental curve in the EPL, his defensive work rate could increase further, making him a valuable two-way forward.

🔥 Verdict

Alexander Isak is more of a traditional striker focused on attacking, but Ekitike’s higher defensive work rate makes him a better fit for managers who demand their forwards to press aggressively and win back possession. In the Premier League, we can expect his interception numbers to rise (just like Haaland), turning him into a complete forward who can both score goals and disrupt opposition play.

Ball Recoveries per 90

A striker who can win back possession high up the pitch is a priceless weapon in modern football. Ball recoveries per 90 measure a forward’s ability to hunt the ball down, press effectively, and immediately transition his team into attack.

Ball Recoveries per 90 – Defensive Work Rate Compared

Player	Club (Season)	Ball Recoveries per 90
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	1.80
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	3.06
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	1.88
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	1.20

Hugo Ekitike proves his defensive worth once again, winning back the ball almost twice as much as Alexander Isak last season (3.06 vs 1.80 recoveries per 90). His pressing intensity and defensive anticipation suggest he thrives in systems that rely on winning possession high up the pitch.

When comparing Ekitike to Erling Haaland, the Frenchman looks more advanced defensively than Haaland was at Borussia Dortmund (1.88 recoveries per 90). But Haaland’s numbers dropped to 1.20 at Manchester City, showing that ball recoveries often decline in possession-dominant teams.

As Ekitike joins the Premier League and a Liverpool side with a similar style, expect his recoveries to decrease—not due to a lack of effort, but simply because his team will have the ball more often.

🔥 Verdict

Nonetheless, Ekitike is far superior to Isak, making him the more complete forward when it comes to defensive contribution.

🕊️ Aerial Dominance – Who’s the King of the Skies?

Aerial strength isn’t just for target men – it’s crucial for scoring from set-pieces, defending corners, and even challenging for long throw-ins. So, between Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Erling Haaland, who truly rules the skies?

Aerials Won per 90

Player	Club (Season)	Aerials Won per 90
Alexander Isak	Newcastle United (2024-2025)	0.85
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt (2024-2025)	1.83
Erling Haaland	Borussia Dortmund (2021-2022)	1.79
Erling Haaland	Manchester City (2022-2023)	1.63

Hugo Ekitike dominates the aerial battle. With 1.83 aerials won per 90, he outjumps both Isak (0.85) and even Haaland’s Bundesliga numbers (1.79). His height, timing, and aggression make him a constant threat during set-pieces and a valuable asset when defending or contesting long balls.

Ekitike can become a huge weapon for EPL teams that thrive on set-pieces or direct balls into the box.

Conclusion

In the Isak vs Ekitike Liverpool transfer debate, Alexander Isak was the obvious choice if Liverpool wanted instant impact and guaranteed goals. He’s Premier League-proven and would immediately strengthen the Reds’ title challenge.

However, Hugo Ekitike shouldn’t be ignored. His pressing energy and raw potential make him an exciting long-term signing, but he remains a risk if Liverpool need immediate results.

But he is certainly a breath of fresh air after Darwin Nunez failed to make a mark and probably the reason why Liverpool have reached out to Eintracht Frankfurt to bring him to Anfield.