Hugo Ekitike was pursued by both Liverpool and Newcastle during the summer, but he rejected the Magpies’ advances in favour of a move to Anfield, a decision he is not regretting.
The 23-year-old forward found himself at the centre of a transfer battle, with Newcastle identifying him as their top target.
Their plan was to pair him with Alexander Isak, though that scenario has only materialised at Liverpool after both players joined the Premier League champions in deals worth a combined £204million.
It marked the second time Ekitike had turned down Newcastle, having first done so in 2022.
Speaking on Canal Football Club, the Frenchman explained the reasoning behind his decision.
“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.”
Hugo Ekitike has made an immediate impact at Liverpool, registering three goals and an assist in just five Premier League starts. His early form has quickly endeared him to the Anfield faithful.
Leading the line for Liverpool comes with its own pressure, but the French forward has handled the responsibility with composure.
He has also embraced the challenge of competing with Alexander Isak, seeing it as motivation rather than a threat.
“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.
“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.”
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