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Richard Keys and Andy Gray are at odds over Hugo Ekitike's summer switch to Liverpool after the French striker snubbed Newcastle United.
The Magpies saw numerous bids and approaches for the French international knocked back in recent years, with this summer's pursuit being the latest chapter in the ongoing transfer saga. Ekitike chose to reject a move to St. James' Park in favour of joining forces with Arne Slot's Liverpool and he has enjoyed a strong start to life, scoring three times already.
Nevertheless, Alexander Isak's arrival at Anfield has raised questions about Ekitike's playing time, with numerous pundits suggesting he ought to have joined Eddie Howe's outfit instead.
That's a view that former striker Gray shares, though his fellow co-presenter Keys disagrees.
Gray maintains a switch to Newcastle would have secured the 23-year-old regular playing time, noting that once Isak regains full fitness, Ekitike's opportunities in the starting XI will be restricted at the Reds, reports Chronicle Live.
Full transcript
Richard Keys: "Let me take you behind the scenes again to our moment in the canteen. You were ranting on his behalf. What was the point you were making?".
Andy Gray: "Was I ranting? Yes, what I was saying, if you're being sold to a team like Liverpool - Ekitike was being [sold]. Ok, Newcastle were asking [about him], Ekitike is joining Liverpool and he speaks to them. He certainly would have asked them, 'What's your plans for me, what do you see me doing?'
"I can't believe he joined the team after being told 'We're going to sign you but after we've got you, we're going to buy Alexander Isak for double what you've cost. You'll play a few games but you'll not play as much as you might expect.'".
"I would have said, 'I'm sorry I want to play football. I'm a young mid-twenties centre-forward, international, I don't want to come and sit on your bench for seven out of ten games. I don't.'".
RK: "I can't believe that he and his agent, between them, hadn't read a newspaper or were unaware of Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak. They must have known."
AG: "They must have thought they weren't getting him!".
RK: "The second point is - you can't take that risk can you?".
AG: "No you can't."
RK: "I am certain that Liverpool said to him, Richard Hughes and maybe Slot, 'You'll play half the games. we've got 70 games and you'll play half of them."
AG: "Okay, half the games. Big deal. Wow. Against who?".
RK: "In a modern game - I'm not picking the side. I have no idea. I'm quite certain - I can tell you that Strand Larsen was strongly considering joining Newcastle on the basis that he would be second fiddle, that he wouldn't start most games. But over a period of time to maybe make himself first choice starter."
AG: "That's fine, but lets take today for example. If I'm Ekitike.."
RK: "Let me go - if I've got a choice of going to Newcastle or joining the league champions, one of the best teams, if not the best team in Europe right now, I know where I'm going."
AG: "What and play half the games?".
RK: "No debate. Yes."
AG: "Ah come on. You might be but I wouldn't be."
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