Hugo Ekitike has revealed that his decision to join Liverpool over Newcastle United in the summer was straightforward, citing the club's status as Premier League champions as the decisive factor. The French striker, who moved from Eintracht Frankfurt, scored a brace in last week's 4-1 victory against the Magpies, taking his tally to 15 goals for the season.
“First of all because they are champions last season,” Ekitike told Sky Sports. “You can join the best team in England. How can you say no? And obviously the players, the style of play. I saw myself playing in this team. Really easy.” Newcastle had attempted to sign the 23-year-old as a replacement for Alexander Isak, but both forwards ended up at Anfield.
Ekitike has formed a promising partnership with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz, who provided the assist for his first goal against Newcastle. The duo have combined for six goals in all competitions this season, more than any other pairing in the top flight. Teammate Alexis Mac Allister praised their chemistry: “I think they complement each other really well. They love to play one-twos and generate goals in just a moment.”
Despite their individual successes, Liverpool have struggled to defend their title and currently trail the league leaders. Mac Allister acknowledged the challenge ahead as second-placed Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday. “They are in a good moment, a really good team,” he said. “We improved quite a lot from that game [a 3-0 defeat in November], but now we need to show it. We have our fans with us, which is going to make things easier.”
