Goldbridge Praises Liverpool’s Rapid Move for Hugo Ekitike Over Newcastle | OneFootball

Liverpool Move Fast to Land Hugo Ekitike from Under Newcastle’s Nose

In a summer window where precision matters as much as power, Liverpool are once again setting the benchmark for transfer efficiency. Speaking on his That’s Football show, Mark Goldbridge was full of praise for the way Arne Slot’s side have secured Hugo Ekitike in a move that looks set to reshape their attack heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Ekitike Chooses Liverpool Over Newcastle

“Liverpool have taken control of the Ekitike situation,” Goldbridge began, referencing David Ornstein’s update that negotiations were “progressing” and that the France international “only wants Liverpool.” According to Ben Jacobs, personal terms were never in doubt. “Liverpool have agreed a six-year contract with Ekitike,” he reported, with the fee expected to be “in excess of £70 million.”

Goldbridge highlighted the swiftness of the move. “Liverpool have reacted amazingly quickly. It was only 24 hours ago that Newcastle were advancing,” he said. “A lot of people felt… there’s only Newcastle on Ekitike’s mind, and yet here we are now. He’s going to be a Liverpool player within 24 hours.”

Strategic Shift After Isak Pursuit Fails

Liverpool’s interest in Hugo Ekitike appears to have been catalysed by Newcastle’s unwillingness to sell Alexander Isak. “From Liverpool’s point of view, we want Isak. We want to spend a British transfer record,” Goldbridge explained. “Newcastle have said, ‘We don’t want to sell him,’ so Liverpool have gone, ‘Okay, we’re not getting Isak, are we? Let’s go Ekitike. Let’s stop messing around.’”

This tactical switch not only shows Liverpool’s adaptability but also their growing decisiveness under Arne Slot. “Slot is clearly a manager that values pre-season,” Goldbridge pointed out, adding that the Ekitike deal is timely. “Ekitike will be on pre-season now.”

Patience and Potential Under Slot

Goldbridge believes Ekitike’s development fits the model Slot is cultivating. “It sort of fits in with what Arne wants at Liverpool really. I don’t think he wants the Yarez Osman type. I think he wants the player that he can mould into his system,” he said.

Comparing the pressure at rival clubs, Goldbridge noted, “If Ekitike went to Manchester United, it would be like, ‘Oh, you’re the saviour, please help us.’ Whereas if you go to Liverpool, it’s like, we’ve got high expectations, but we’re going to be patient with you and allow you to grow.”

He cited the examples of previous players who benefited from a similar approach at Anfield. “Gravenberch in his first season, there was patience. Fabinho, there was patience in his first season.”

Efficient Business Despite Tragic Setback

The swiftness of this deal is even more remarkable given the difficult circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of Jota and his brother. “They probably lost a week or two on that where it was just inappropriate for them to be doing business,” Goldbridge acknowledged, “and yet they still are going to have most of their business done.”

The structure of the deal reflects Liverpool’s smart financial handling. “They’re not going to pay stupid wages,” he said. “They’re going to pay a fair wage. It’s just efficiency. And that’s what’s lacking at clubs like Manchester United.”

As for the price tag, Goldbridge admitted, “£70 million plus is a lot,” but added, “Frankfurt were always talking about that… and there’s probably a load of add-ons in there.”

Smart Signing for a Super Squad

In closing, Goldbridge described the signing as part of Liverpool’s broader squad-building strategy. “I think it’s the right move for him… you’re going to choose Liverpool over Newcastle every day of the week with all due respect.”

With Ekitike now likely to be a Liverpool player within days, Arne Slot continues to shape a side ready to defend their Premier League crown with a mix of youth, tactical awareness and speed in the market. It may not have been the summer headline Liverpool initially imagined, but it is one written with intention.