Transfer news: Liverpool confirm Ekitike & Chelsea in for Dutch duo

'Ekitike a better long-term signing than Isak'

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Professional football scout and analyst Umir Irfan speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about Liverpool's pursuit of both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike: "It's perhaps a better long-term signing for Liverpool in general to end up with Ekitike.

"Ekitike is a really impressive player. There's room for him to improve, which is always an exciting thing - but one thing he does offer is something that is very complementary to the rest of the players around him. I always think that is the most important thing when you sign a player.

"At Liverpool you have Salah, who you want to maximise for the next couple of years. He's not a player you want defending loads. With Florian Wirtz and Ekitike - they are both players who press incredibly well.

"But, it's not only the defensive side. On the ball Ekitike drops in really well and facilities play combining with the midfield really well, almost in a Firmino-like manner.

"That allows players like Salah or Wirtz to come inside and attack further up the pitch more centrally. On top of that, he has a great passing range and willingness to run in behind - whether that is to let other players come inside or free up space for the midfielders behind him.

"He's a very selfless player in general play and is someone who I think will facilitate Salah's game really well. But, he is selfish in the box in terms of taking lots of shots, which is always something you want from your number nine."

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