Hugo Ekitike's Transfer Saga: The Liverpool Phone Call That Changed Everything
Newcastle United supporters will witness a poignant reminder of what might have been when Hugo Ekitike takes to the Anfield pitch this Saturday evening. The 23-year-old striker, now wearing Liverpool red, will face the very club he nearly joined last summer in a dramatic transfer twist that continues to resonate through the Premier League.
A Near-Miss That Still Stings for Newcastle
Eddie Howe's recruitment team had invested significant time and resources in pursuing fresh attacking talent during the summer transfer window, with Ekitike emerging as a primary target. According to multiple reports, Newcastle had virtually secured the French striker's signature before Liverpool's dramatic eleventh-hour intervention changed the course of events.
The situation became particularly galling for Newcastle when Liverpool subsequently completed the signing of Alexander Isak as well, effectively securing what many analysts believe could have constituted Newcastle's preferred striking partnership for the current campaign in one decisive swoop.
The Decisive Phone Call Revealed
Agent Ali Barat, who was working on behalf of Eintracht Frankfurt to facilitate the move to Newcastle, has since disclosed the precise moment everything changed. Speaking to TuttoSport, Barat explained: "I was working on behalf of Eintracht Frankfurt to bring him to Newcastle. I stayed in Germany for ten days. We agreed everything with the German club and the player, then Liverpool called him and he chose Anfield."
This revelation confirms the pivotal nature of that single communication, which prompted Ekitike to reconsider his options and ultimately commit to Arne Slot's Liverpool project instead of Eddie Howe's Newcastle revolution.
Ekitike's Perspective on the Controversial Move
Ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated Premier League encounter, Ekitike addressed the likely reception from travelling Newcastle supporters with characteristic directness. "I don't care. I play for Liverpool, I have my fans here, we played there already and won so hopefully we will have a great week of working. I don't care about this, I just want to play and help the team. It is simple," the striker stated.
He elaborated further on his decision-making process: "Obviously we were close to signing for Newcastle but I made my choice. I knew where I wanted to come, so that's all I can give to you. Liverpool fans' support means a lot. I play for the fans, they give me so much energy."
Proving His Worth in Liverpool Colours
Since his controversial switch, Ekitike has demonstrated precisely why both clubs were so keen to secure his services. The French forward has already netted thirteen times this campaign, establishing himself as one of the signings of the season and forming a particularly promising partnership with Florian Wirtz.
Following his goal against Qarabag in Wednesday's Champions League fixture, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard offered glowing praise: "I love this kid, I think he's just gonna get better and better, what a signing he's been so far. The main positive is these two... the timing of the pass and the finish, they're growing and evolving and that connection, they're on the same wavelength."
Howe's Lingering Admiration
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had previously expressed his long-standing admiration for the striker before Liverpool secured his signature. "I think there's no doubting that I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years. He's someone that we've tracked for a long time," Howe acknowledged, highlighting the depth of Newcastle's interest and the significance of their near-miss.
As Saturday's match approaches, the narrative surrounding Ekitike's transfer U-turn adds an intriguing subplot to an already compelling Premier League fixture. The striker's performance against his almost-club will be scrutinized particularly closely, with Newcastle supporters left to wonder how different their attacking options might have looked had that fateful Liverpool phone call never occurred.
