Arne Slot wanted clarity.
“St James’ Park, right?” the Liverpool manager asked before his side’s trip to Newcastle United.
He will have no doubt where he is on Monday night. The Geordies will ensure that.
Newcastle host their first home game of the Premier League season on a bank holiday, welcoming the champions.
The Alexander Isak saga has added extra spice. Liverpool saw a £110m bid rejected for the Sweden striker, who claims his current club broke “promises.”
Eddie Howe remains aware of the heightened tension.
“We must focus on what we need to do, not get too emotional, but channel the crowd’s energy,” Howe said. “It will be vital for us.”
a stadium that lifts the team
Howe speaks from experience. Newcastle thrive in front of a roaring St James’ when their focus is sharp.
Since Howe took charge in 2021, Newcastle lost only a dozen home league fixtures, often making the stadium erupt against top teams.
Last season, in eight home league and cup matches against Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Spurs, Newcastle won six, drew two, and lost none.
The fan group Wor Flags continues to set the tone for these matches.
Volunteers faced challenges planning a pre-match display amid Isak’s desire to join Liverpool.
Thomas Concannon, Wor Flags volunteer and season ticket holder, said: “The situation is complicated. Opinions differ widely. We aimed to find a balance that supports the players on the pitch. It feels enormous. More than just three points are at stake. Facing Liverpool feels like a massive rivalry match.”
Ekitike in the spotlight
Hugo Ekitike makes his first visit to St James’ Park after Liverpool secured his signing ahead of Newcastle last month.
Howe knows Ekitike well. He praises his movement, intelligence, aerial ability, and goal-scoring with both feet. That explains Newcastle’s long-term interest.
“We tracked Hugo for years,” Howe said. “He has immense potential.”
Newcastle attempted to sign him three times over three-and-a-half years, starting in January 2022.
Former Brighton manager Oscar Garcia, who worked with Ekitike at Reims, said: “Few strikers have his age, height, speed, mobility, and finishing skills. He can play counter-attacking or possession football but needs guidance to reach his full potential.”
Liverpool had also followed Ekitike closely, noting his revival at Eintracht Frankfurt after a frustrating spell at Paris St-Germain. Newcastle made an initial offer last month, but Ekitike aimed for a £69m move to Liverpool. This marked a pivotal moment in the transfer window.
Isak running out of time
Ekitike’s move affected the Isak saga. Had Newcastle signed him, they would have a successor ready and time to recruit another striker after Callum Wilson’s departure.
Missing out on Benjamin Sesko, who joined Manchester United, leaves Newcastle racing the clock to find a centre-forward before the September 1 deadline.
The club doubts the “conditions” for Isak’s sale will be met late in the window. Liverpool could still return with a higher bid, but Newcastle have held firm so far.
Slot did not comment on a potential renewed offer. He, however, respects what awaits at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s victory over Liverpool in last season’s Carabao Cup final highlights the challenge for the visitors.
“It has nothing to do with the media,” Slot said. “Visiting Newcastle, you know what to expect. They played three times last season with intensity levels far above ours. In the 3-3 away draw, they dominated the first 60 minutes. In the League Cup final, they outworked us. They don’t need extra motivation at St James’ Park.”
