'Right choice' - Hugo Ekitike reveals reasons for snubbing Newcastle United in favour of £79m Liverpool move

Hugo Ekitike believes he has made the “right choice” in joining Liverpool over Newcastle United.

A transfer target since 2022, Newcastle were confident of getting their man earlier this month until Liverpool got wind of negotiations.

The Magpies had a £69million club record bid rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt and had been weighing up an improved offer following positive talks.

However, Liverpool joined the race and that was that. Ekitike revealed his preference to join the Premier League champions and a deal worth £79million was thrashed out this week.

Hugo Ekitike breaks silence on Liverpool move

The Frenchman, whose weekly salary is reportedly £250,000, is with his new teammates for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong.

Sitting down to speak about his move and reasons behind, Ekitike told liverpoolfc.com: “I feel very proud. Obviously it’s a big, big club. I’m just excited, I’m a bit like a kid. I’ve been dreaming to come and play in the Premier League. And to play for Liverpool is a big, big good feeling for me. I just can’t wait to start to play games and to win trophies.

“I think that was the right moment. I came to the Bundesliga hungry, I wanted to show that I’m a good player and I can make the difference on the pitch. I think I did well last season.

“Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do. That’s why I think it’s the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here.

“For me that was the right choice. The way the club works, what I have heard about the people here, the atmosphere, the fans, the stadium, the way they improve players, already champions of the Premier League.

“It’s the best team in England and one of the best teams in the world so yeah, it was Liverpool. Since I talked to the coach, in my head I was sure about it.”

Newcastle United fail in third attempt to sign Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle first identified Ekitike as a target in 2022. They had two bids accepted by Stade de Reims but the player himself turned down a move before joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Ekitike was then frozen out at PSG after just one season and in a bid to reignite his career joined Frankfurt in January 2024, initially on loan before completing a £15m permanent move.

Last season, the 23-year-old re-established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards with 22 goals and 15 assists.

Newcastle United wanted both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak

Newcastle wanted Ekitike to play alongside Alexander Isak, but could now end up with neither. Isak has informed the Magpies of his desire to explore a move elsewhere with Liverpool ready to pay a British record £120m.

The Swede isn’t with Eddie Howe’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia due to a “minor thigh injury” but the speculation has undoubtedly played its part.

Newcastle have always maintained that the 25-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, is not for sale. Now that resolve is set to be tested.

YOUR NEXT READ: Alan Shearer slams ‘ridiculous’ Newcastle United over Alexander Isak transfer saga.

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