Former Manchester City and England defender Joleon Lescott has predicted that Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike will lose his place in the starting XI to deadline-day signing Alexander Isak. The Sweden international completed a £125million move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, becoming the most expensive British transfer ever.
Ekitike, who joined from German side Frankfurt for £79m, has started the season brightly, scoring in the Community Shield defeat and in Liverpool's opening two Premier League fixtures. However, Lescott believes the Frenchman will be relegated to the substitutes' bench once Isak is integrated into Arne Slot's side.
Speaking on Sky Bet's 'In the Mixer' show, Lescott said: 'You [Ekitike] can be on the Liverpool bench. You can be sitting down. We've seen it happen to other teams. Julian Alvarez sat down and he was banging in goals behind Erling Haaland for Manchester City.' He added that the new signings do not all have to fit in, noting that Champions League and league matches will allow for rotation.
When asked if Isak would start both league and cup matches, Lescott replied: 'No chance.' He emphasised that Liverpool face a tough schedule, including games against Real Madrid and Manchester City, and that Slot will shuffle his squad accordingly.
Lescott also insisted Liverpool must win a major trophy this season. 'They have to win something. One of the big two [Premier League and Champions League],' he said, though he noted injuries could derail their campaign. Regarding the collapsed deadline-day move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, Lescott commented: 'Marc will be all right. He'll leave on a free [next year].'
