Arne Slot given clear Liverpool transfer message as Hugo Ekitike ‘set for major surprise’

Arne Slot has been warned that the pressure on him at Liverpool is higher than ever, especially following a massive $405 million (£300 million) investment to bolster a squad that already won the Premier League last season.

Dutch pundit and former striker Wim Kieft believes expectations at Anfield will rise even further if Liverpool manage to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle before the transfer window closes.

So far, the Reds have added Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong in what has become their most expensive transfer window to date. Kieft acknowledged Slot’s strong first season, saying: “What Slot achieved in his first year at Liverpool deserves praise.”

However, Kieft cautioned against overhyping Slot’s methods, noting that he’s taken over an already strong squad and boosted it with major signings. If Slot manages to secure Isak, it would be another major addition.

“Slot has been given the opportunity to spend big, but with that comes significant responsibility,” Kieft told the Mirror. “This is no longer Klopp’s team—it’s Slot’s, and that means we can now truly assess his work. If he gets Isak, the team will look very strong on paper.”

Liverpool are set to face Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday, after a summer spent pursuing Isak. Newcastle have made it clear they won’t sell unless their full asking price is met, and tensions have risen as Isak has reportedly refused to play.

The reigning champions will face a tough test against a motivated Newcastle side and a charged home crowd. Liverpool started their title defence with a win over Bournemouth but were far from convincing, particularly in defence.

Kieft remains skeptical about how all of Slot’s new signings will adapt to the Premier League. He pointed to Erik ten Hag’s experience at Manchester United as a cautionary tale: big-name players don’t always succeed in English football.

“Wirtz is a fantastic talent and should do well,” Kieft added. “But Ekitike, who arrived from Frankfurt, doesn’t have a goal record like Isak’s. Players like him might be in for a real shock when they experience the intensity of the Premier League.”