Liverpool used genius Hugo Ekitike transfer tactic and got the last laugh over Newcastle

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Liverpool waited until the final moment and struck gold again, showing that the Premier League reigning champions have the power to pry away tomorrow's stars from transfer competitors.

French striker Hugo Ekitike officially joined Liverpool on a six-year deal worth around $140 million plus add-ons, after the Reds swooped in the final moments to steal him from under Newcastle's eyes. Manchester United also attempted a late move, but the Eintracht Frankfurt star had already made up his mind.

Sources confirmed Ekitike had no interest in joining United despite a direct call from Christopher Vivell to Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krosche. By then, Liverpool had already quietly and efficiently executed their move, just as they had done when signing players in the past.

Ekitike reportedly completed his medical earlier this week and will fly out to Hong Kong to join Arne Slot's squad on their preseason tour of Asia. The 23-year-old becomes Liverpool's latest high-profile signing following a Premier League title-winning season that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Mirror Football's Chris McKenna reported that the Reds didn't want a bidding war, giving reason to wait for the Newcastle talks to mature before getting serious.

Just a week earlier, Ekitike was set to move to Newcastle, who are aiming to add another attacking option alongside Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker was also a transfer target for the Reds and Saudi side Al Hilal.

ESPN reported the Magpies were willing to pay $95 million upfront but hadn't finalized bonus clauses.

That hesitation left the door wide open for the Bundesliga breakout star, who scored 15 goals and added 8 assists in 31 starts last season, to become the latest statement piece in Liverpool's attack.

Hugo Ekitike is set to complete his transfer to Liverpool this week

Hugo Ekitike completed his transfer to Liverpool

Frankfurt called Ekitike's loss "bitter" and referred to him as their "absolute top player in the winter." They hoped to keep the Frenchman after a breakout season that saw him tally over 100 shots, complete 50+ take-ons, and rack up 200+ touches in the opposition box.

In Europe’s top five leagues last season, only five players hit those offensive thresholds: Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Antoine Semenyo, Lamine Yamal, and Ekitike. With Salah and Ekitike now set to line up together, Liverpool will field two of the sport's most aggressive and effective creators.

Ekitike made 31 starts and played in 36 matches last season. He scored 15 goals, had eight assists, and took 113 shots, including 45 on target.

Liverpool has agreed a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike is expected to join the team on its Asia pre-season tour

Slot's team began 2025 pre-season matches on July 13 with a 3-1 win over Prestson. The club's next fixture is against AC Milan at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 26, the game that Ekitike is expected to play.

The club's pre-season schedule continues with a matchup against Yokohama F. Marinos (July 30), followed by a double-header against Athletic Club (Aug 4), and closing things out with the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace (Aug 10).

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