Hugo Ekitike v Benjamin Sesko v Viktor Gyokeres: Which striker will explode first in the Premier League after big summer transfers?
Published 16/08/2025 at 13:43 GMT+1
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TNT Sports' early kick-off team talked about the Premier League's exciting new trio of strikers ahead of Newcastle United v Aston Villa, with Peter Crouch and Joe Cole giving their thoughts on who will be more impactful between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, while praising Hugo Ekitike after his memorable league debut for Liverpool in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday night.
Bright Ekitike start might make Liverpool 'think twice' about Isak deal
Video credit: TNT Sports
It was the summer of the striker and three of Europe's elite forwards made their way to the Premier League, and the trio are already impressing TNT Sports' Joe Cole.
Viktor Gyokeres' output at Sporting CP convinced Arsenal to spend a reported ÂŁ64 million on the Swede, while Manchester United beat Newcastle United to the signing of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
Defending champions Liverpool recruited Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike for a fee in the region of ÂŁ79m.
The Frenchman delivered a memorable Premier League debut with a goal and an assist in The Reds' 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday.
Cole and Peter Crouch joined TNT Sports' first early kick-off of the season and lent their analysis to talk about the exciting new signings.
"I know it's a lot of money spent on a lad whose not played much football, but I love the kid," Cole said of Ekitike.
He continued: "You look at his time at PSG and he didn't play many games, but he had Neymar and [Lionel] Messi and they probably blocked his path.
"I think Liverpool have found one there, I think they've found a star."
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Crouch added: "Getting off an early goal definitely helps. He looks the real deal, but you never know how they're going to settle in the Premier League.
"Quite a few forwards have been signed who haven't played in the league, but he's got off to a flyer."
Ekitike may soon be fighting for his place in the squad should a deal for Newcastle's Alexander Isak materialise, but he made his case with a superb display.
While Liverpool can arguably afford to have some patience with Ekitike, especially if Isak comes, United and Arsenal are itching for goals right now.
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Who is the better signing, Gyokeres or Sesko?
Video credit: TNT Sports
Sesko arrives at Old Trafford with a rumoured ÂŁ74m price tag and looks set to slot into a side who desperately need more goals.
"He's so aggressive and energetic," Cole said.
"United need that energy and aggression and power, and this is what he brings. He's forward-thinking, he gets his shots off early. I think he's going to do the business, and maybe he'll put a rocket up [Rasmus] Hojlund as well, a little bit of competition in that area."
Despite Sesko's obvious talent, Cole was quick to admit he would take Arsenal's Gyokeres over the United man right now.
"It's exciting for Arsenal fans, it really is," Cole said. "You look at Gyokeres and you see his ability. Similar to Sesko in that he can, he drives and he's powerful. 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting is incredible.
"But he's 27 and he's not scored a goal in the top five leagues of European football. He has to come and start strong and show people he can. The goal is the same size in every league, there's different challenges but, he has a talent.
"I would take him. I think he's the one who excites you most. He also could be the one where you get to that final stage and he can't produce it at a top level. However I still think he'll score goals. But why have they not done this two or three years ago? There might be silverware. I think Arsenal will kick on with him this year."
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