Eddie Howe makes Hugo Ekitike prediction ahead of Newcastle vs Liverpool

Eddie Howe says he has been tracking Hugo Ekitike ‘for a long time’ (PA Wire)

Eddie Howe has backed Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike to ‘be a threat’ in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle United had targeted the 23-year-old this summer as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak , who is currently on strike in an attempt to force through a move away from St James’ Park .

However, Liverpool won the race to sign the French striker as they signed him in a £79 million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt .

Ekitike scored on his debut as Liverpool ran out 4-2 winners against Bournemouth last Friday and is now set to lead Arne Slot’s attack against Newcastle on Monday night.

Speaking ahead of the game at St James’ Park, Howe insists he has no doubt that Ekitike will thrive in the Premier League.

@metrosportuk The Alexander Isak transfer saga has got MESSY 🤦🏻‍♂️ After both the player and club released very different statements, the question has to be asked what happens now? And how does Isak leave Newcastle? Well on Metro’s latest episode of Transfer Talk we discuss exactly that. #transfernews #isak #newcastle #footballnews #transfertalk ♬ original sound – Metro Sport

‘I think there’s no doubting that I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years,’ Howe said.

‘He’s someone that we’ve tracked for a long time. He’s got really good qualities, and I think he showed that in his first Premier League game – very good debut against Bournemouth.

‘He’s got really good movement, he’s intelligent, he’s good in the air, scores goals, a very good finisher, scores off both feet.

‘I think he’s got a load of qualities that will serve him really well in the Premier League.

‘Our job will be to keep him quiet and try to control him, but certainly he’s going to be a threat this year.’