Hugo Ekitike regret at joining Liverpool over Newcastle United - French media
Hugo Ekitike bagged for Liverpool in their 2-1 win over Everton earlier today.
A French journalist believes Hugo Ekitike would not have signed for Liverpool if he knew the full Alexander Isak picture.
It is no secret that the Reds and Newcastle United both wanted the 23-year-old. Toon chiefs had already been rejected by Ekitike twice before his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
A third blow was dealt in July when the Frenchman moved to Anfield for £80million. Liverpool then stepped up their attempts to sign Isak - a deal that was finalised on deadline day.
Hugo Ekitike x Alexander Isak debate
Concerns have been raised about whether the two can play at Liverpool together. Ekitike has enjoyed a solid start to his Anfield career - netting today in a 2-1 win over Everton - but his future first-team opportunities appear uncertain as Isak approaches full fitness.
Newcastle were left reeling in both transfer sagas, rallying to sign Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. It is no longer United’s problem but Ekitike in a black-and-white shirt could prove the biggest “what if” of the season.
French journalist on Hugo Ekitike
Prominent French journalist Julian Lauren has suggested Ekitike would have snubbed the Reds had their Isak interest been known. He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I really don’t think so (whether Ekitike would have joined Liverpool). I really think he signed after a first approach from Liverpool to Newcastle for Isak when Newcastle closed the door, and I think probably from a Liverpool point of view, that was before Isak went on strike.
“Then they kind of reverted to Ekitike, who was on his way to Newcastle in the first place because he was supposed to be the replacement of Isak or if nobody came for Isak, then to play them together. We knew that as soon as Isak would be fit, the one to be dropped would be Hugo. It was just very clear.
“Can they play together? Of course, they can, through games, you can play Ekitike from the start and maybe on the left, but that’s not his position really. I’m not sure how well this kind of works so it was just one of Isak and Ekitike, and it’s never going to be Ekitike ahead of Isak.”
Eddie Howe on Hugo Ekitike
Eddie Howe admitted he has admired Ekitike for years ahead of last month’s clash against Liverpool. He told reporters: “There's no doubt I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years. He's got really good qualities and he showed that in his first Premier League game. He had a really good debut against Bournemouth.
"He's got really good movement, intelligent, good in the air, scores goals, scores off both feet. Our job will be to keep him quiet. He is going to be a threat this year."