Hugo Ekitike dismisses Newcastle United regret claims after Liverpool move
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has played down talk that he regrets choosing Anfield over Newcastle United this summer, insisting he made the right call.
The French striker was strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park during the transfer window and at one stage appeared close to signing for Eddie Howe’s side. However, he eventually opted for Liverpool, who later went on to complete a blockbuster £130 million move for Alexander Isak after a long chase.
Ekitike’s arrival and Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak raised questions about his role in Arne Slot’s squad, with some suggesting the 22-year-old might find himself pushed down the pecking order once the Sweden international returned to full fitness. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, journalist Julien Laurens argued that Liverpool only turned to Ekitike after Newcastle refused to sell Isak earlier in the summer, adding further fuel to the debate over whether the Frenchman had made the right move.
Despite those doubts, Ekitike has already made an impression in a Liverpool shirt. After being left out of the squad for the clash with Burnley and watching Isak start in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, he was handed a start in the Merseyside derby. He justified Slot’s faith by scoring the opening goal before being replaced by Isak midway through the second half.
Following the 1–0 victory, which extended Liverpool’s winning run to five matches, Ekitike insisted he has no regrets about his summer decision:
“It was my choice, it’s what I wanted,” he said. “I felt it was the right place for me at the right time. I wanted to get back to the top level, this time better equipped and more ready in every aspect. I don’t think I made a mistake.”
The striker’s comments come after Newcastle once again missed out on his signature. The Magpies have previously made two attempts to sign Ekitike, but both fell short. Instead, Howe strengthened his attacking options with the signings of Yoane Wissa from Brentford and Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. While Wissa has yet to make his debut after picking up an injury on international duty, Woltemade made an instant impact by scoring the winning goal against Wolves on his debut.
Although there is ongoing debate about whether Ekitike and Isak can play together at Liverpool, the Frenchman has already shown that he is capable of contributing when given the chance. For now, he appears content with his decision to reject Newcastle, focusing instead on making a name for himself at Anfield.
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