Hugo Ekitike explains why he chose Liverpool over Newcastle United
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesHugo Ekitike has discussed his move to Liverpool FC and has also confirmed that Newcastle United were also in for him.
At the start of the summer, the Magpies had bold plans to keep hold of Alexander Isak as well as sign Hugo Ekitike with a vision of playing both 0f the strikers together
Eddie Howe’s side held extensive talks with Frankfurt representatives in Germany, with further meetings taking place in Austria during Newcastle’s pre-season training camp.
However, Liverpool had been monitoring Ekitike since his impressive Reims days, with club officials initiating contact with the player’s representatives in January 2025.
The momentum shifted decisively when Arne Slot shared his vision for integrating Ekitike into his Premier League-winning squad
The deal was structured as a £69 million fixed fee plus £10 million in add-ons, with the majority of bonuses tied to Liverpool trophy success.
It turned out to be a torrid affair for the Magpies, who instead lost out on both their star man in Isak and their main striker target in Ekitike.
While Newcastle ultimately received a record £125 million fee for Isak, the club’s summer transfer strategy was left in tatters.
They had entered the window hoping to add Ekitike alongside Isak, creating a potent strike force capable of competing at the highest level.
Instead, they watched both players join their Premier League rivals, leaving Eddie Howe scrambling to find adequate replacements.
The Magpies did eventually secure Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa from Brentford, but at that point it felt more like a consolation prize.
And now Hugo Ekitie, speaking to Canal +, has revealed that Newcastle were in for him but ultimately decided to join the Reds because it’s “what he wanted”:
“Why Liverpool instead of Newcastle.
It was my choice, that’s what I wanted,” he said.
“Because I had more feeling coming here and I knew it was the right time and the right place for me.”
“I wanted to get back to the top level and to return this time more armed, more ready in all aspects?
And I don’t think I was wrong.”
The Frenchman has already racked up three goals and one assist in first five Premier League games so far and has made the right choice based on that alone.
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