Liverpool strike fast with Ekitike

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer praised Hugo Ekitike after his quick start for Liverpool following a failed bid by Newcastle

Shearer hails Ekitike as Liverpool asset after Newcastle bid collapses

Liverpool fans were eager for a new centre forward this weekend. Several big clubs pursued strikers this summer and Liverpool turned to Hugo Ekitike. He made an instant impact in the Community Shield, scoring against Crystal Palace, and followed with a goal and an assist on his Premier League debut.
The move to Ekitike came after Newcastle failed to sign him. Alan Shearer, a Newcastle legend, said he looks like a top signing for Liverpool. He noted that he is not happy with how Liverpool handled the Isak situation. Still, Shearer praised Ekitike for his start and his link up with Gakpo. The piece suggests that adding another top striker could lift Ekitike’s game further.

The episode shows how quickly transfer plans can shift in the Premier League. A strong start by a young forward can establish him as a club asset even if a different target falls through. Ekitike’s early success highlights a broader trend: clubs are betting on rapid acclimation and immediate impact rather than waiting for players to mature.
The Newcastle angle adds a cautionary note about fan expectations and interclub tensions. The Isak subplot reveals how personal loyalties and public chants can complicate transfer politics. If Ekitike continues to deliver, Liverpool could reap the benefits while Newcastle negotiates the fallout and reassesses its striking options.

Highlights

The season will test how quickly a new signing becomes a staple for the team.