When asked why he turned down Manchester United and Newcastle in July, Hugo Ekitike gave a brutally honest response that has sent shockwaves through both fanbases. 😳

Manchester United were reportedly snubbed by Hugo Ekitike’s representatives, not long before Liverpool secured his signature. The Frenchman was unveiled by the Reds after arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79million deal.

He became the fourth big money signing to be agreed this summer after the Premier League record breaking acquisition of Florian Wirtz, the £40m signing of Milos Kerkez and the £29.5m purchase of Jeremie Frimpong.

After Newcastle United’s £70m offer for Ekitike was rejected, Liverpool appeared to have a free run on the 23-year-old. However, in the background, United were also trying to sway the Frenchman.

They may have thought they had an advantage over Liverpool, as he once said he grew up as a fan of the Red Devils. Despite his previous affection for the club, Ekitike had his heart set on Anfield.

This was ruthlessly communicated to United after they reached out to his agent and enquired about his services. The ECHO understands United informed Frankfurt that they intended on reaching out to Ekitike’s representatives.

However, the forward’s team made it clear that the striker was only interested in a move to Liverpool. After hearing this news, United did not submit a formal offer for Ekitike.

Instead, they went on to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo for a deal worth £71m. Ekitike was the second big name forward to turn down the Red Devils, who were offered the opportunity to sign Viktor Gyokeres by his club Sporting Lisbon.

Hugo Ekitike poses for photos after he signs for Liverpool Football Club on July 23, 2025 in London, England© Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

However, the Swede rejected their advances as he had his heart set on Arsenal. His move to the Emirates Stadium looks set to be completed before the start of the new Premier League campaign.

Ekitike had also attracted interest from Chelsea and Newcastle. The latter’s bid was beaten by Liverpool’s initial £69m bid, which will be followed by performance-based add-ons believed to be worth an additional £10m.

He will be joining his new team-mates in Asia for Liverpool’s pre-season tour. He may not be the last attacker to join the club, as Newcastle forward Alexander Isak has revealed he wants to explore a summer transfer, according to reports from the north east.

INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA – JULY 14: Alexander Isak during the Pre Season Training Camp at FC Seefelder Plateau on July 14, 2025 in Innsbruck, Austria. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)© Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images

The Reds were recently linked with a £120m move for the Swedish forward, but the Magpies said he was not for sale. This prompted the Reds to sign Ekitike, but there may still be room in the coffers for the ex-Real Sociedad hitman.

Isak recently left Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East, nursing a minor thigh injury and the Reds are expected to try and capitalise on the uncertainty, according to the Daily Mail. Last year, he scored 27 goals in 42 appearances for Newcastle.

With three years left on his deal at St. James’ Park, Newcastle are under no obligation or significant pressure to sell him. However, it may be difficult to hold onto him if he makes it clear that he wants to depart the club