Hugo Ekitike and Arne Slot's telling phone call as Alexander Isak wants out

Arne Slot has clarified Hugo Ekitike's role at Liverpool, irrespective of Alexander Isak's potential transfer to Anfield. The Reds have continued their summer transfer spree by securing Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal that could soar to £79m.

Despite not yet earning a senior cap for France, Ekitike embodies all the qualities Liverpool seek in a young forward. According to The Athletic, the club's analysts believe they may have found a future Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in the 23-year-old, with his transfer value predicted to skyrocket. Liverpool have initially shelled out £69m for Ekitike, but they could pay more than double to land Isak, who has told Newcastle he wants to explore a more away from the club. Liverpool are leading the race for Isak, who will not be part of Newcastle's pre-season tour to Asia.

Per the Daily Mail, Liverpool might need to pay around £150m to lure him away from the Magpies and would likely sell players to fund such a deal. If Isak does join, it's reasonable to assume he would play as a traditional number nine. That would raise questions about Ekitike's position in the team, with the Frenchman potentially being moved into a different role.

However, in a revealing phone call with Ekitike before his arrival, Slot explained how he envisages him fitting into his squad. That is of a number nine with the ability to drop deep and link play when required.

Isak's potential arrival could see Ekitike initially playing a supporting role, but given Liverpool's demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions, he could still enjoy significant game time. This would eventually allow him to develop and eventually challenge Isak for the position of the club's first-choice central striker - a nice problem for Slot to have.

As the Isak transfer saga unfolds, Ekitike has joined his new colleagues in Hong Kong. The final details of his six-year contract were revealed on Wednesday evening, by which time he was en route to the Far East.

He arrived in time to observe an open training session at Kai Tak Stadium, attended by 27,000 spectators. It remains uncertain whether Ekitike will participate in Liverpool's first tour match against AC Milan on Saturday.

Ekitike joins the ranks alongside Florian Wirtz, who was signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth an initial £100 million, potentially rising to £116 million. Jeremie Frimpong also made the move from the German side in a £29.5 million deal, while Milos Kerkez was acquired from Bournemouth for £40million.