Isak vs Ekitike: Who is the Dream Forward for Liverpool?

Liverpool have intensified their search for a potent and clinical attacker heading into the 2025/26 campaign, as Arne Slot looks to sharpen his frontline with a reliable goal threat.

While the Premier League champions had held strong interest in both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike for weeks, it wasn’t until Newcastle made concrete moves that the Reds began accelerating their plans.

The Magpies, in a bold attempt to bolster their own attack, launched a club-record £70 million bid for Ekitike, an offer that was swiftly rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt, who are holding out for closer to €100 million (£86m).

Now, Liverpool are responding. According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are reportedly prepared to smash their transfer record once again, this time to land Alexander Isak. The Sweden international is firmly on top of their wishlist, and talks are expected to hinge on encouragement from the player’s camp.

Newcastle, however, are not looking to sell Isak, despite stalled contract talks and interest mounting. Should a deal for the Swede fall through, Liverpool are expected to revisit the Ekitike option.

So, which of the two dynamic strikers fits the bill best? In this piece, we break down the numbers, styles, and value to determine who could be the perfect addition to Anfield’s next attacking chapter.

Isak vs Ekitike: Who is the Dream Forward for Liverpool?

1. Goal Scoring: Isak is Ruthless, Ekitike is Efficient

Let’s get this out of the way, Isak scored more goals (23) than Ekitike (15). On the surface, that’s a win for the Swede. But context matters. Isak took 95 shots to score his goals, nearly 20 fewer than Ekitike, who fired 114 times.

Yet, Isak was more clinical. His goals per shot ratio was stronger, and his G/SoT (Goals per Shot on Target) stood at 0.46, showing that almost every second shot on target found the net. Ekitike’s was 0.32 — still solid, but not quite icy cold.

On expected goals (xG), however, Ekitike’s tally of 21.6 xG shows he underperformed by more than 6 goals, while Isak outperformed his xG by 2.7. In simpler terms? Isak finished chances better than expected, while Ekitike missed a few too many big ones.

Winner: Isak – More goals, better finishing, and outperformed his xG.

2. Creativity and Assists: Ekitike the Surprise Playmaker

Now here’s where things get interesting. While Isak grabbed 6 assists, Ekitike provided 8, despite being viewed more as a traditional striker.

Ekitike also created more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (3.55) compared to Isak’s 3.01, meaning he was slightly more active in involving teammates and building moves. Add that to his key passes (44) and passes into the final third (24), and you realize Ekitike wasn’t just there to finish, he also facilitated.

Isak still impressed with 35 passes into the final third and was better at maintaining possession, but Ekitike’s higher xAG (expected assists) suggests his passes had more goal potential.

Winner: Ekitike – Contributed more creatively and set up more quality chances.

3. Ball Carrying and Dribbling: Ekitike Covers More Ground, Isak Gets Further

Both players are deceptively good at carrying the ball. But they use their movement in different ways.

Ekitike made 633 carries and moved the ball forward over 2,300 progressive yards, showing he’s always willing to drive at defenders. He also completed 93 progressive carries, slightly more than Isak’s 83.

But Isak, though he had fewer carries, made each one count, with more carries into the final third and higher success in tight spaces. Ekitike’s dribbling success was just 43.7%, while Isak edged him at 46.2%.

Winner: Draw – Ekitike carries more and further, but Isak is neater and more efficient with the ball.

4. Defensive Contribution: Ekitike Gets His Hands Dirty

Surprised? You should be. While most forwards avoid defensive duties, Ekitike embraced them. He made more tackles (16), more interceptions (7), and more clearances (24) than Isak in every category.

Though neither player is going to win the Ballon d’Or for defending, Ekitike at least showed a willingness to track back, press, and disrupt opponents, something that managers absolutely love.

Winner: Ekitike – More involved defensively and proved he’s a team-first player.

5. Passing Game: A Tale of Two Styles

In passing volume, both players attempted a similar number of passes (644 for Ekitike, 689 for Isak) and had almost identical completion rates (around 75%). But look closer, and you’ll see their styles diverge.

Isak played more progressively, completing more progressive passes (88 vs. Ekitike’s 53) and delivering more passes into the attacking third.

Ekitike, meanwhile, had better short-pass completion and provided more final-third touches, proving to be more effective in and around the box.

So, while Isak may build play deeper, Ekitike links more directly with danger zones.

Winner: Draw – Isak for deeper build-up, Ekitike for final-third sharpness.

6. Overall Impact and Team Success

When on the pitch, both players positively impacted their teams. Ekitike’s team outscored opponents by +18 goals with him playing, while Isak’s Newcastle were +21 when he was involved.

In terms of points per match, Ekitike’s Frankfurt averaged 1.73, while Isak’s Newcastle hit 1.88. Close, but Isak gets the edge here. His presence didn’t just add goals, it lifted the entire team.

Winner: Isak – Marginally more influential in terms of team results.

Check the full player comparison here: 

Verdict: Isak vs Ekitike – Who Should Liverpool Choose?

After breaking down the data and weighing up both players across goal scoring, creativity, ball progression, and defensive effort, it is clear that Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike each offer compelling reasons to be Liverpool’s next striker. However, this decision goes beyond raw stats. Liverpool must factor in the likely transfer fee, current ability, long-term value, and squad impact.

Alexander Isak appears to be the more reliable option for immediate success. At 25 years old, he is already delivering consistently in the Premier League, with a sharp eye for goal and a track record of outperforming expectations. His style suits a side that demands clinical finishing and off-the-ball intelligence. Newcastle’s reluctance to sell makes any move complex, and the price tag would likely soar beyond £90 million. That is a steep investment, especially with limited resale value projected once Isak moves beyond his prime years.

Hugo Ekitike, by contrast, is a forward still on the rise. At 23, he offers strong creative contributions and a dynamic presence in the final third. He is not yet as ruthless in front of goal, but he carries promise. His ability to press, create, and work for the team makes him a valuable asset in a modern attacking system. Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly turned down a £70 million offer, yet it is realistic to believe they would accept a deal closer to £85 million. At that price, Liverpool would be buying potential as well as production, with a likely return on investment in the future.

If Liverpool are seeking a proven forward who can deliver goals and leadership from day one, Isak is the ideal choice. His skill set is polished, and his experience in the English top flight gives him an edge when it comes to immediate impact.

If the goal is to build a forward line for the next five to seven years, with a striker who can grow into a world-class role under Arne Slot’s system, then Ekitike is the more strategic acquisition. He offers versatility, upside, and better value over time, both in footballing terms and potential resale.