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Hugo Ekitike has revealed why he chose to join Liverpool over Newcastle United this summer, claiming Anfield is the “right place” for him.
The Frenchman was signed for an initial £69 million ($93M) and a further £10M ($13M) in possible add-ons during the transfer window, although at one stage it appeared he may have been destined for the North East.
Newcastle has a long-established interest in Ekitike but failed once again to sign the forward despite beginning talks over a possible transfer. Liverpool made its interest known earlier this year and pushed to conclude a deal after the Magpies stepped up their pursuit of the player.
Ekitike, speaking in a recent interview, claimed the choice was straightforward when Liverpool entered the race.
“Why Liverpool instead of Newcastle? It was my choice, it's what I wanted,” the 23-year-old told Footmercato.
“Because I had more of a 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 come back this time better equipped, more ready in all aspects. And I don't think I was wrong.”
Ekitike’s previous experience at an elite club didn’t quite go to plan, when he found playing time far to come by at Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet he resurrected his career at Eintracht Frankfurt, netting 22 goals in 48 appearances last season. That prompted widespread interest in the player this summer, with Manchester United also trying to secure a deal for Ekitike. Chelsea and Arsenal were also linked.
But a move to Merseyside certainly seems to suit the attacker, who has scored four in six starts this season. He netted what proved to be the winning goal in Saturday’s derby against Everton, which will certainly help ingratiate him with supporters.
Liverpool fans repeatedly chanted Ekitike’s name during Saturday’s match and there’s an expectation he will play a vital role this season despite the record-breaking transfer of Alexander Isak.
Arne Slot admitted last week that he sees both playing predominantly as central strikers and even said he would consider deploying a 4-4-2 shape to get the pair on the pitch at the same time.
“Like any other team in this league, every team has two no.9s — you could see this with Everton today as well,” Slot said after the Merseyside derby. “We have two no.9s of excellent quality, like our competitors have as well.
“Now it’s really a good thing because Hugo is definitely not ready, coming from a different league, to play three times 90 minutes in this pace, in the way we play.
"We have a high-intensity game; we constantly try to press. When the ball is out of play, our goalkeeper tries to start the play fast instead of taking a minute.”
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