Hugo Ekitike was pursued by Liverpool and Newcastle over the summer but rejected the latter’s advances in favour of Anfield, and he is not regretting the choice.
Ekitike found himself in the middle of a transfer battle between Liverpool and Newcastle in the summer, with the 23-year-old seen as the Magpies’ No. 1 target.
The brief from Newcastle was that he was to play alongside Alexander Isak, but that is now only possible at Anfield after both players joined for a combined £204 million.
It was the second time Ekitike had knocked back Newcastle‘s advances, having first done so in 2022, and speaking on Canal Football Club, the Frenchman explained his choice.
“It was my choice, it’s what I wanted,” Ekitike said, via Foot Mercato. “Because I had a better feeling coming here, and I knew it was the right time and the right place for me.
“I wanted to return to the top level and this time come back better equipped, more ready in every way. And I don’t think I made a mistake.”
Three goals and one assist across his five Premier League starts leaves little to regret for Ekitike, who has quickly endeared himself to Liverpool supporters.
There is a certain pressure playing as the leading man for Liverpool, but Ekitike has taken it in his stride so far and is embracing the competition Isak presents.
“He’s a very, very good player,” Ekitike said of Isak to TNT Sports after the derby win. “I always watched him before I came here. So for me, him being here is really good.
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“I can learn and improve myself. It’s competition, but I know we’re going to play together, we’re going to make a difference. I hope one day we’re going to share the pitch.
“It’s good. It’s the coach’s problem, I just do my job. It’s good.”
Arne Slot sees having both forwards as “definitely necessary,” despite the media rhetoric questioning Liverpool’s need for two No. 9s more than they did Newcastle‘s baffling claims that Ekitike would play with Isak at St James’ Park.