Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has revealed that he was close to joining Newcastle United before ultimately deciding to sign for Liverpool.
The French forward’s admission comes ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United, a fixture that has gained added intrigue due to Ekitike’s near-transfer to the Magpies.
Near-Move to Newcastle
Ekitike joined Liverpool last summer after completing his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the striker’s connection with Newcastle was established about six months prior, when the Magpies reportedly made a serious attempt to secure his signature. The interest was described as intense, and the deal nearly materialized.
In an interview with BBC Radio Merseyside, Ekitike was asked how close he had come to joining Newcastle during that period. He initially joked before giving a candid response about the transfer situation he faced.
“It’s a problem for you,” Ekitike said with a smile. “No, of course we were close to making that move happen, but I made my own choice. I knew where I wanted to go, and now I’m at the place I wanted to be. That’s all I can say.”
Why Liverpool Was the Choice
Ekitike’s decision to sign for Liverpool demonstrates his confidence in the Merseyside club’s project. The move provided him with the opportunity to play at the highest level, compete for major trophies, and develop under the pressure of a club with a rich history.
When asked ahead of the Newcastle game whether he was concerned about receiving a negative reception from Magpies supporters, given that he almost wore black and white, the 23-year-old forward dismissed any worries.
“I don’t care. I play for Liverpool, and I have my fans here,” Ekitike said firmly.
A Meaningful Encounter
Ekitike also reflected on Liverpool’s previous visit to St James’ Park, where the team secured a memorable victory. That result has given him added confidence heading into the upcoming clash.
“We’ve played there before, and we won. So hopefully we have a good training week. I’m not thinking about anything else; I just want to play. That’s the most important thing,” he added.
Since joining Liverpool, Ekitike has gradually begun to make his mark in the attacking line. His speed, intelligent off-the-ball movement, and natural goal-scoring instincts have made him a valuable option for the Reds in forward rotations.
The upcoming match against Newcastle now represents a particularly interesting moment for Ekitike, as he faces the team that came closest to securing his signature before his move to Anfield.
Building Confidence at Liverpool
Ekitike’s early performances at Liverpool have shown promise, with the striker contributing both goals and assists while adapting to the demands of English football. His work ethic, combined with tactical awareness, has earned praise from his coaches and teammates, positioning him as a reliable alternative in the Reds’ attack.
The confidence he has built since joining the club helps explain his relaxed approach toward facing Newcastle. Ekitike is fully focused on delivering on the pitch rather than dwelling on the transfer saga that could have seen him wear another Premier League shirt.
Importance of Mental Focus
For Ekitike, the key to maintaining form lies in mental focus and preparation. By concentrating on his role at Liverpool and embracing the club’s objectives, he ensures that distractions, such as past transfer speculation, do not affect his performance.
“I try to stay focused on my job, my training, and my performance. That’s the only thing that matters,” Ekitike explained. “The rest, like transfers or rumours, doesn’t change what I need to do for Liverpool.”
Looking Ahead to the Match
As Liverpool prepares to face Newcastle United, all eyes will be on Ekitike’s performance. His unique perspective adds an extra layer of narrative to the fixture, with fans eager to see how he approaches a game against a club he almost joined.
Managerial staff will likely rotate the squad carefully, ensuring that Ekitike gets opportunities to showcase his skills while maintaining team balance. The match promises to be a compelling contest, highlighting Liverpool’s attacking depth and Newcastle’s resilience under Marco Silva.
Conclusion
Hugo Ekitike’s revelation about nearly joining Newcastle adds intrigue to Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture. Despite the near-move, the forward remains fully committed to Liverpool, focusing on contributing to the team’s success. His speed, movement, and finishing ability make him an asset in the Reds’ rotation, while his confidence and mental focus ensure he is ready for any challenge. The game against Newcastle is set to be a meaningful encounter for Ekitike, fans, and the broader Premier League audience alike.
ALSO READ :
