Hugo Ekitike has opened up on his decision to join Liverpool in a £79million deal and issued a warning to their Premier League title rivals after impressing in his first appearance at Anfield.
The Frenchman was part of the Reds squad that contested the second of two matches against LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao on Monday, assisting the side’s opener in a 3-2 win, following a 4-1 victory for the less experienced roster hours earlier.
Ekitike was one of five new signings to feature for Arne Slot’s free-spending side, who were playing in their first home match since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, as the Premier League champions put the finishing touches on their preparations for the new campaign.
Liverpool saw off competition from the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United to secure the 23-year-old’s signature and after making a great first impression in front of the home support, Ekitike claimed that made the switch from Eintracht Frankfurt ‘to win’.
‘We have a group of competitors,’ he told LFCTV. ‘We want to win everything. We are going to give 100 per cent. I am going to give 100 per cent. I am here to win.’
The young forward linked up well with his new team-mates despite Monday’s clash being only the second time he has turned out alongside them.
The France Under 21 international hailed his new colleagues, adding: ‘I enjoy playing with them.
‘Outside of the pitch they are good guys. We have some little things to fix, on the ball. I have things I can do better. I am going to enjoy playing with them for the season.’
Ekitike’s acquisition is the most recent by Liverpool this summer but it is unlikely to be their last piece of business before the window closes at the start of next month.
Darwin Nunez, who scored in the first match at Anfield, has been heavily linked with a move away this summer and is attracting interest from AC Milan and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, the Reds are eyeing an audacious move for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak and saw an opening £110m bid rejected on Friday.
The Reds are next in action in the Community Shield, where they will face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley. They begin the defence of their Premier League title at home against Bournemouth on August 15.
