Arne Slot makes BOMBSHELL Hugo Ekitike decision

Liverpool gave themselves a glorious problem to solve as a result of some of their transfer business over the course of the summer window.

For example, Florian Wirtz coming on board as chief playmaker in the No10 position means Dominik Szoboszlai now likely competing with Alexis Mac Allister for a regular spot in the team.

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Decisions like this can only stretch the players further, helping the team reach higher standards collectively. And it’s a similar story up front.

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All summer long it was reckoned that Alexander Isak was fancied as the Reds’ No1 striking target in the striker position.

Where will Ekitike go when Isak is fit?

And it took plenty by surprise when Richard Hughes wrapped up a quick deal for Hugo Ekitike - snatching the Frenchman from under Newcastle’s noses.

Liverpool paid Eintracht Frankfurt £69m for the new France international - who had been on their radar since his days as a young player for Reims.

Ekitike has made a brilliant start to his Liverpool career - carrying the threat in the No9 position while Isak’s £125m deal was being tidied up.

Now the Swede is onboard he will need to work his way towards full fitness. And once he is a genuine contender to start matches - it could leave Ekitike’s status uncertain.

This is what is most likely for Ekitike

But Liverpool have thought about this.

Not only do Hughes and Arne Slot see the former Frankfurt man as a potential MEGASTAR but he is also expected to be fielded in several positions other than striker.

Ekitike can play as a No10 - but a new report in the Athletic hints that his long-term future could well be out wide.

“The luxury of signing Isak and Ekitike is that there is not a glaring hole the former needs to fill immediately,” the report reads.

“The bigger question is how both of the No 9s can be included in the side together.

“The most likely scenario is for Ekitike to move to the left, where displacing Cody Gakpo will be difficult, although he can also play in the No 10 role.”

Ekitike impacts Gakpo

Of course Gakpo has established himself as a favourite under his compatriot Slot. The Dutch international fought off Luis Diaz for the left-wing starting berth and recently signed a new, long-term contract extension.

But he could soon find himself under threat once again for his starting position as Slot moves Ekitike around in order to find his best role.

With Liverpool seeing off bids from Bayern Munich last summer, sooner or later we could see the 26-year-old moved on if he is dropped in favour of new star Ekitike.

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