Why Did Hugo Ekitike Choose Liverpool Over Newcastle — and Is Their £69M Gamble Worth It?

Liverpool’s summer rebuild under Arne Slot has taken a bold turn with the £69 million signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike — but what convinced the 23-year-old to pick Anfield over a long-standing suitor like Newcastle United, and is the investment worth the risk?

For Hugo Ekitike, the decision was clear from the moment he spoke with Arne Slot. The new Liverpool manager laid out a compelling vision during a personal Zoom call, emphasizing his need for a mobile, creative, and intelligent No. 9. Slot’s pitch was so convincing, sources told ESPN he delivered a “masterclass” that immediately tipped the balance in Liverpool’s favor — even with Newcastle United preparing a rival offer.

Behind the scenes, negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike’s club, were far from simple. The Bundesliga side — known for tough bargaining — agreed to a deal worth £69 million plus £10 million in add-ons, after Ekitike was left out of their friendly squad last weekend. Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmöller subtly hinted at the striker’s impending exit, calling it a “bitter loss” and confirming his importance to the team.

From Reims to Anfield: A Rapid Rise

Born in Reims, Ekitike exploded onto the scene during the 2021–22 Ligue 1 season, scoring 11 goals in 26 appearances. That breakout earned him a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had a chance to learn from stars like Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. But after struggling for minutes under Luis Enrique, he moved to Frankfurt — initially on loan, then permanently in 2024.

His Bundesliga stint was a major success: 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches last season, proving he could thrive both as a lone striker and in a duo. His versatility across the front line and ability to link up play made him an attractive target for Liverpool.

At 6-foot-2, Ekitike combines physical presence with technical flair. While he still has room to grow — his 15 Bundesliga goals came from an xG of 21.6, indicating finishing inconsistencies — the Reds believe his potential is elite. He’s often compared to Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s top centre-forward target, but Ekitike himself cites Karim Benzema as his inspiration: a selfless forward who thrives on team play.

Slot’s Vision: The Right Fit at the Right Time

Liverpool’s data team, led by Richard Hughes, Barry Hunter, and Michael Edwards, had tracked Ekitike for months. While some believed their interest was a diversion from a bigger push for Isak, insiders confirm Ekitike was always high on their shortlist.

Slot reportedly emphasized Ekitike’s fit with Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo — a dynamic, interchangeable frontline. With Darwin Núñez expected to leave and Luis Díaz attracting Bayern Munich’s attention, the Frenchman could quickly become central to Slot’s new-look attack.

A Risk Worth Taking?

Liverpool are not strangers to bold investments — Virgil van Dijk (£75M) and Alisson Becker (£65M) transformed the club. But Ekitike is younger, less proven, and arrives at a pivotal moment. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has left a hole in the Reds’ squad and hearts, and Ekitike is expected to help fill that gap — both on and off the pitch.

His six-year deal reflects long-term faith. The question is whether he can evolve from a rising talent to a Premier League star. If he refines his finishing and thrives in Slot’s high-intensity, possession-based system, Ekitike could become one of Europe’s top strikers — and Liverpool’s £69M gamble might look like a bargain in hindsight.

Looking Ahead

Ekitike is set to complete his medical in the UK before joining the squad in Hong Kong for their preseason tour. With new signings like Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool’s intent is clear: they’re not just defending their Premier League title — they’re building for the future.

For Ekitike, the challenge is huge. But so is the opportunity.