Hugo Ekitike, the French striker, has explained why he chose Liverpool over Newcastle United, despite the Magpies’ interest in signing him. According to Ekitike, he opted for Liverpool because he felt “better equipped” to succeed at Anfield. The striker joined Liverpool in a £79 million deal, which included £10 million in add-ons, making him the third-biggest signing in the club’s history ¹ ².

Ekitike’s Decision

Ekitike revealed that his decision to join Liverpool was based on his instincts and desire to play for the reigning Premier League champions. He stated, “It was my choice, it’s what I wanted. 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.” Ekitike’s confidence in his decision is evident in his performances on the pitch, where he has scored four goals and provided an assist in his first seven games for Liverpool ¹.

Ignoring the Transfer Fee

When asked about the £79 million transfer fee, Ekitike was blunt, saying, “I don’t care. I’m just focused on the game.” He emphasized that football has changed and players now have to deal with high transfer fees and intense scrutiny. Ekitike’s focus on his game has paid off, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot praising his performances ¹.

Competition with Alexander Isak

Ekitike’s arrival at Liverpool has created competition for places in the attacking lineup, particularly with the signing of Alexander Isak. However, Ekitike believes that there is room for both him and Isak in the team. Slot has also hinted that Ekitike’s place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed, adding to the competition between the two strikers ².

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hugo Ekitike’s decision to join Liverpool over Newcastle United was based on his desire to play for a top-tier team and his confidence in his abilities. Despite the high transfer fee and intense scrutiny, Ekitike remains focused on his game and is determined to succeed at Liverpool. With his impressive performances on the pitch, it’s clear that Ekitike is ready to take on the challenges of playing for a top team like Liverpool ¹.