Ekitike's 'Pressing' Answer Reveals Slot's Liverpool Vision

Hugo Ekitike offered a one-word answer when quizzed about his discussions with Arne Slot prior to sealing his switch to Liverpool . The 23-year-old striker recently finalised a move to Anfield from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal potentially worth £79million, as the Reds look to revamp their attacking options during this summer's transfer window .

After Ekitike netted 22 goals and contributed 12 assists for Frankfurt across 48 matches in all competitions last season, it's hardly shocking that Slot identified the forward as a valuable addition when the summer market opened. The French international travelled to London for his medical earlier this month before linking up with his new manager and team-mates on their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan.

His path to Liverpool was extensively covered by the club's official media channels, with the Reds sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content of his medical on their YouTube channel earlier this week, reports the Liverpool Echo . During the video, Ekitike revealed precisely what he and Slot had discussed before he pledged his future to Anfield with a six-year contract.

When questioned whether he'd already spoken with Slot during his Liverpool medical, and what the manager had told him, Ekitike simply responded: "Pressing," before breaking into a knowing grin and laughing. He added: "But no, we've been talking about a bit of everything, not even only football.

"We talked a bit about everything, like what he expects from a player, what type of player he likes, and also human beings, how people are and also that in this club it was really important to be a good person and all of that stuff."

Jurgen Klopp's trademark high-intensity pressing game was mastered during his nine-year spell at the helm of the club, and it's a tactical approach that Slot has carried forward since assuming control last year. Based on their discussion, it's obvious that Slot will demand Ekitike closes down relentlessly when Liverpool are without the ball to disrupt rhythm and create turnovers.

Though he faced the daunting task of succeeding Klopp following his extraordinary stint from 2015 to 2024, Slot surpassed all predictions in his debut campaign, clinching the Premier League crown . With the Reds eager to retain their title next season, whilst also potentially thriving in cup competitions and the Champions League , the 46-year-old has wasted no time in bringing in numerous new signings this summer.

Following Trent Alexander-Arnold's switch to Real Madrid before the Club World Cup , Slot moved quickly to trigger Jeremie Frimpong's £29.5m release clause at Bayer Leverkusen as his immediate successor. A record-breaking £116m signing of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from the same German outfit followed shortly afterwards.

Liverpool then secured the signing of left-back Milos Kerkez in a £40m deal from Bournemouth , and promising goalkeeper Armin Pecsi from Puskas Academia for a mere £1.5m. However, it seems the Reds' summer transfer business isn't over yet.

Once considered an unlikely acquisition, Liverpool's chances of landing Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak are improving daily. Despite the Magpies' insistence that their star player is not for sale amid interest from the Reds, the Swedish international has expressed his desire to explore other opportunities this summer.

According to recent reports, Liverpool plan to pay an initial £60m for Isak this year, with an additional £60m due in 2026, plus add-ons which could bring the total cost of the deal to £140m. However, Newcastle would need to secure a suitable replacement for the 25-year-old before they would even contemplate letting him depart St. James' Park in the coming weeks.

Currently, they're said to be keeping tabs on RB Leipzig wonderkid Benjamin Sesko . However, they may face competition from Manchester United for the striker's signature, as Ruben Amorim continues his search for a reliable No. 9.

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