Details of how Liverpool’s key players really feel about new signing Hugo Ekitike have emerged ahead of the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace.
On Sunday afternoon, Premier League champions Liverpool will travel to London to face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium for the FA Community Shield final.
For many Liverpool fans, the match will serve as the first chance to see the Reds in action ahead of their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15.
With several of the clubs new signings expected to be involved in the game, these fans will also be eager to watch any of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong playing their first competitive match for Liverpool.
But ahead of the match, a new report has revealed exactly how the Liverpool squad feel about latest addition Ekitike.
Following weeks of rumours, Ekitike finally secured a move to Liverpool late in July, joining from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal said to be worth up to £79million.
Just days later, the Frenchman was handed his Liverpool debut during a pre-season friendly match against Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, playing the first half of the game.
Footage of Ekitike in training posted online has got some fans seriously excited about his potential, and a new report has revealed that this view is shared by his new teammates who were surprised by how good the striker already is.
Writing for TBR Football, Graeme Bailey claimed: “I’m hearing that Ekitike has slotted in so well, like he has been part of the squad for years. He has been dazzling in many regards.
“I’m told the players are not shocked by his talent, but certainly, some did not really grasp just how good he was.
“Liverpool’s coaches are delighted with him.”
Are Liverpool still interested in signing Alexander Isak?
Despite Ekitike’s impressive performances both in training and in his Liverpool debut, it is still believed that the Reds are hoping to finally complete a deal for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak in the coming days.
Throughout the summer break, Liverpool’s actions in the window have made it clear that the Swedish international is their top target, with Isak also evidently keen on the move.
Although Liverpool’s first official bid for Isak was rejected by Newcastle, the striker’s recent behaviour paired with the fact that he’s made it clear that he wants to leave the club means it is looking increasingly likely that he will wear red next season.
But in order for Isak to complete a transfer to Liverpool it is believed that two things need to happen.
Of course, the first is that Liverpool will need to return with a new bid that improves on their opening £110m offer, with the second being that Newcastle must sign a replacement striker before letting Isak go.
RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is believed to be Eddie Howe’s top target, with the likes of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz also linked.