July 17, 2025: Liverpool are reportedly nearing a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards. But how does the 23-year-old Frenchman stack up statistically against another rumored Reds target, Alexander Isak?
Ekitike’s Output in Elite Company
In the 2024–25 season, Ekitike recorded a career-best 15 goals and 8 assists in league play. Only three players aged 23 or younger in Europe’s top five leagues were involved in more goals: an elite list that includes Cole Palmer, Florian Wirtz, and Lamine Yamal.
That puts Ekitike in rarified air, especially for a player still developing. However, his efficiency in front of goal remains a concern.
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 8
- Shot Conversion Rate: 12.8%
- xG Underperformance: -6.7 (meaning he scored fewer goals than expected based on shot quality)
Isak: The Clinical Finisher
By contrast, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak continues to prove himself as one of the most efficient strikers in the Premier League. The Swede boasts a significantly higher conversion rate and consistently outperforms his expected goals (xG).
- Shot Conversion Rate: ~24%
- xG Overperformance: Consistently positive over recent seasons
- Fewer shots, more goals: Isak gets the most from limited opportunities
The Verdict
While Ekitike has the edge in terms of raw goal contributions (especially assists), Isak is the more clinical and reliable finisher – a key trait in a team like Liverpool, where chances must be taken in high-pressure matches.
Ekitike’s upside and creative involvement may appeal more to Jurgen Klopp’s successor, especially if the team is planning for a fluid, pressing-heavy system where forwards create as much as they finish.