Rooney Questions Manchester United and Arsenal's Transfer Decisions
Football legend Wayne Rooney has openly suggested that both Manchester United and Arsenal made significant errors in their summer transfer strategies by failing to secure the signature of Liverpool's £79 million striker Hugo Ekitike. Speaking on his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain expressed his belief that the two Premier League giants should have prioritised the French forward over their actual acquisitions.
The Summer Striker Market and Competing Signings
During the 2025 summer transfer window, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool were all actively seeking to bolster their attacking options. Manchester United ultimately secured Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £74 million, after missing out on Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres. Arsenal then completed a £64 million move for Gyokeres, while Premier League champions Liverpool invested heavily, spending £79 million on Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain before adding Alexander Isak for another £125 million.
Ekitike's Impressive Start at Anfield
Despite Liverpool's somewhat disappointing defence of their title this season, Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed a remarkably bright start to his career at Anfield. The 23-year-old has netted 15 goals across all competitions, with ten of those coming in the Premier League alone. His performance in Saturday's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United, where he scored twice, particularly caught Rooney's eye. Rooney praised Ekitike's second goal, describing it as "brilliant" and reminiscent of Brazilian legend Romario, highlighting the striker's instinctive finishing ability.
Rooney's Analysis of the Alternative Signings
In contrast to Ekitike's success, Rooney pointed out the struggles of Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko and Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres. Sesko has managed just five league goals for United and has recently lost his place in the starting lineup, despite scoring a dramatic injury-time winner against Fulham last Sunday. Gyokeres, while part of an Arsenal side currently topping both the Premier League and Champions League, has attracted criticism for scoring only three league goals since mid-September, though he has shown improvement with four goals in his last six appearances.
Rooney's Defence of Gyokeres and Praise for Ekitike
Rooney offered a nuanced perspective on Gyokeres, stating that the Swedish international is "making a difference" for Arsenal by occupying defenders and contributing to their title charge, even if his goal tally is underwhelming. However, when directly asked if he would prefer Gyokeres over Ekitike, Rooney firmly replied, "No." He went on to declare Ekitike and Granit Xhaka at Sunderland as "probably the two best signings in the Premier League" this season, applauding Ekitike's versatility, confidence, and "swagger" on the pitch.
The Contrast in Player Profiles and Impact
Rooney elaborated on the distinct qualities of Ekitike compared to Sesko, noting that Ekitike possesses a natural arrogance and self-assurance that allows him to thrive independently. He described Ekitike as a player who "drifts out wide, gets on the ball, brings players into the game, and can score goals," essentially having "a bit of everything." In contrast, he observed that Sesko appears to need "guidance and help" on the field, lacking the same innate confidence. Rooney's comments underscore a belief that Ekitike's adaptable style and mental fortitude make him a more impactful signing for the top level of English football.
This analysis from one of England's most decorated footballers adds fuel to the ongoing debate about transfer market efficacy in the Premier League, suggesting that Liverpool may have secured the standout striker of the summer, much to the potential regret of their rivals.
