Liverpool fans had plenty to cheer about on Friday night as new striker Hugo Ekitike made an explosive Premier League debut in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth. But while the Frenchman stole the headlines, Newcastle’s wantaway star Alexander Isak was given a cheeky warning by none other than Alan Shearer.
The 21-year-old Ekitike, signed for £69 million plus £10m in add-ons from Eintracht Frankfurt, wasted no time in showing why Liverpool splashed big money on him. He scored a cool opener in front of the Anfield crowd and later turned provider by setting up Cody Gakpo for the Reds’ second.
Bournemouth refused to go quietly, as Antoine Semenyo fired in two goals to level the match. But late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sealed all three points for Arne Slot’s new-look Liverpool side.
Ekitike walked away with the Man of the Match award, instantly winning over the fans and raising questions about Liverpool’s future strike force.
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Shearer, a Newcastle legend, didn’t miss the chance to take a playful jab at Alexander Isak, who has refused to play for the Magpies as he pushes for a transfer to Anfield.
“Surely any forward thinking of going to Liverpool will be having second thoughts now, having to play second fiddle to the brilliant Ekitike all season?” Shearer posted on X, adding laughing emojis.
His comments came as Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak hit another bump. The Reds had a £110m bid plus £10m in add-ons rejected by Newcastle earlier this week. Despite his refusal to train, Isak remains a Newcastle player for now.
The Swedish forward’s relationship with the Magpies looks broken beyond repair, yet Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insists there is still a way back.
“I want him to play. I want him to train,” Howe said before Newcastle’s clash with Aston Villa. “I’ve had those conversations with Isak, but the details will remain private. For me, nothing has changed. My focus is on the team, new signings, and preparation.”
Still, Liverpool boss Arne Slot made it clear he isn’t done in the transfer market. Speaking before the Bournemouth win, he admitted he needs at least one more attacker.
“I see Hugo mainly as a No.9, but he can also play from the left or together with another striker. We need one more attacker at least,” Slot told Sky Sports.
Liverpool’s summer rebuild has already been dramatic. The club said goodbye to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, while the tragic passing of Diogo Jota left a painful hole in the squad. Signing Ekitike was step one in Slot’s plan, but Isak remains high on the list.
For Isak, the pressure is growing. With only two weeks left in the transfer window, he must decide whether to hold out for his dream Liverpool move or return to Newcastle’s training ground.
Ekitike’s debut performance makes the decision even trickier. The Frenchman looked confident, energetic, and dangerous in front of goal, suggesting he could quickly become Liverpool’s main man.
That means if Isak joins, he may not walk straight into the starting XI, especially with Salah, Chiesa, Gakpo, and Ekitike all firing.
Still, Liverpool fans would love the idea of having both Isak and Ekitike, two of Europe’s most exciting young strikers, leading their attack.
For now, the transfer saga continues, with Shearer’s tongue-in-cheek warning adding fuel to the drama. Will Isak still force through his move, or will Ekitike’s rise scare him away from Anfield?
The answer may define Liverpool’s season.
