Liverpool's chairman, Tom Werner, just dropped a bombshell about the club's pursuit of Alexander Isak that might leave Hugo Ekitike scratching his head.

In a summer of monumental spending, with an eye-popping £440 million splurged on new talent, Werner disclosed how close Liverpool came to losing out on Isak entirely. The club aimed to bolster their title-winning team, breaking transfer records along the way.

Initially, Liverpool offered Newcastle £110 million plus £10 million in add-ons for the Swedish striker, a bid that was swiftly turned down. However, in a dramatic twist toward the window's end, Newcastle relented and Isak secured a long-awaited move to Anfield for an astonishing £125 million.

Despite already signing Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million, Werner indicated that the Reds wouldn’t have been completely devastated if only Ekitike had joined. He explained, "We felt we had a great financial offer for Newcastle, but Isak had three years left on his contract."

The chairman added, "Our plan was to see how Ekitike performed. If he succeeded, wonderful. If not, we’d find another option down the line. Isak is fantastic, but he's not the only striker in the world."

Ekitike Faces Tough Competition

Now, in-form Ekitike finds himself battling for a starting position amid Liverpool's packed lineup. Following a remarkable performance that helped his team maintain their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Everton, he knows competition is fierce.

Recent reports suggest Ekitike may not have agreed to join Liverpool had he known Isak would also be signed. Werner's commentary further implies that the Reds were always prepared to secure multiple strikers this summer.

With three goals and one assist in his first six appearances, Ekitike is not guaranteed a starting spot, especially when Isak finds his rhythm. Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, reassured both players that they will each see ample playing time—but keeping both satisfied could prove challenging.

Liverpool's Aspirations and Future Moves

As the season unfolds, Slot mentioned, "We have two extraordinary number nines, and we intend to utilize both throughout their careers." This statement raises curiosity about how he’ll manage the dynamics, especially if both players maintain their electrifying form.

Additionally, Liverpool fans have reason to buzz about Real Madrid's genuine interest in Alexis Mac Allister, even as a future transfer remains uncertain. On top of that, Slot's ambitious strategy includes plans to transform the Reds into European champions with several key signings on the horizon.

In other news, there are whispers of a potential January transfer for a formidable player dubbed an “absolute tank,” igniting excitement among the Anfield faithful. With Slot at the helm, the Reds aim for an extraordinary season that could etch their name into the annals of football history.