Liverpool have identified Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as their top transfer targets this summer, prompting a comparison between the two players at the age of 23.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that Liverpool had begun direct negotiations with Newcastle United regarding a potential move for Isak, who has netted 45 Premier League goals in just two seasons. However, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie later reported that Newcastle have no intention of selling Isak, having previously valued him at over £150 million.
If Isak is ultimately unavailable, Liverpool are expected to shift their focus toward signing Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, competing directly with Newcastle, who are also interested in the French striker.
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 and has since become one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards. Meanwhile, Ekitike moved permanently to Frankfurt last summer following a disappointing spell at PSG and impressed with 15 Bundesliga goals last season.
Interestingly, Newcastle are also targeting Ekitike, hoping to pair him with Isak up front.
Ekitike is currently 23 years old, while Isak is 25—indicating that Liverpool are targeting a particular age profile for their next attacking signing.
To better understand their suitability, a comparison was made using Squawka’s Comparison Matrix, focusing on their stats at the age of 23—highlighting Isak’s first season in the Premier League.
📊 Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike: Goal Statistics
Isak demonstrated a significantly better shot conversion rate, scoring a higher proportion of his chances despite playing fewer matches (10 goals in 22 games compared to Ekitike’s 15 in 33). Ekitike did, however, lead in non-penalty goals with 14, while Isak recorded eight.
🎯 Duels & Chance Creation
Beyond goals, modern strikers must also retain possession, win duels, and create opportunities. In these areas, Ekitike shines. He created more than twice as many chances (42 vs. 18), won more total duels (137 vs. 87), and had better aerial duel success.
Isak, however, outperformed in ground duels, passing accuracy, and successful take-ons—metrics that align more closely with Liverpool’s style of play.
⚖️ Isak vs. Ekitike – Who Should Liverpool Choose?
Looking at last season’s stats, Isak—now more experienced—leads Ekitike in every goal-related metric. Yet, his effectiveness in other areas has slightly declined: his aerial duel success rate dropped by 13%, and he won fewer overall duels compared to his earlier numbers. Meanwhile, Ekitike continued to improve in ground duels and aerial battles.
So, while Isak clearly stands out in terms of finishing, Ekitike’s all-round game, coupled with his younger age, makes him a compelling option if Liverpool are unable to secure their primary target.
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