Ekitike's Anfield story meets Newcastle's regret: "I don't care. I play for Liverpool"

Newcastle United fans may well ask themselves what might have been when Hugo Ekitike steps onto the Anfield turf against them on Saturday night (11 pm).

At just 23, the French forward has already become one of Liverpool's standout signings of the season. Thirteen goals, confidence flowing, and a place at the heart of Arne Slot's attack - not bad for a player who once seemed destined for St James' Park.

Because make no mistake: Newcastle thought they had him.

Eddie Howe and his staff worked tirelessly, tracking Ekitike for years and believing the deal was done, until Liverpool swept in at the final moment and pulled the striker out from under their noses. To make matters worse, the Reds would soon after add Alexander Isak, effectively hijacking what could have been Newcastle’s dream strike partnership in one ruthless window.

So yes, the reception from the travelling fans may be lively. Ekitike? He couldn't care less.

"I don't care. I play for Liverpool," he said bluntly ahead of the game. "I have my fans here. I just want to play and help the team. It's simple."

There's no bitterness in his words - only conviction. Liverpool, he says, was always the destination he wanted.

The importance of being Liverpool: Reds sign Ekitike despite Newcastle's better offer

The Anfield crowd, the energy, the feeling of hearing his name even on quiet nights... This was the dream.

"It was what I dreamed of as a kid," Ekitike added. "I'm grateful, and I want to give more to make them happy."

Behind the scenes, the near-miss was real. Agent Ali Barat later confirmed that everything had been agreed with Newcastle - club and player alike - before Liverpool made the decisive call.

"Then Liverpool called him," Barat revealed. "And he chose Anfield."

Slot to Ekitike: "And then you go and spoil it all by doing something stupid!"

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, for his part, never hid his admiration.

"I really like Hugo," the Newcastle boss admitted. "He's someone we've tracked for a long time."

Now, instead of leading the line in black and white, Ekitike is doing damage in red. Fresh off another goal in the Champions League against Qarabag, he's even drawing lofty comparisons to Fernando Torres - praise echoed by none other than the Reds' legend Steven Gerrard.

"I love this kid," said the Liverpool legend. "What a signing he's been. He's only going to get better."

Saturday night won't just be another fixture. It will be a reminder for Newcastle of a transfer that slipped away. And for Liverpool, proof once again that decisive moves change seasons.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 24

Saturday

Brighton - Everton IN PROGRESS

Leeds - Arsenal IN PROGRESS

Wolves - Bournemouth IN PROGRESS

20.30: (1.53) Chelsea (4.20) West Ham (6.25)

23.00: (1.85) Liverpool (4.00) Newcastle (4.20)

Sunday

17.00: (2.10) Aston Villa (3.50) Brentford (3.80)

17.00: (1.63) Man.Utd. (4.20) Fulham (5.00)

17.00: (2.00) Nott.Forest (3.40) Crystal Palace (3.90)

19.30: (4.60) Tottenham (4.20) Man.City (1.75)

Monday

23.00: (1.80) Sunderland (3.70) Burnley (4.90)

***odds are subject to change***