Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says he is a huge admirer of Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies were interested in recruiting the Frenchman before the Reds swooped in, and Howe admitted that he has actually tried to buy the forward on more than one occasion:

“A very, very good player. I think it is well known I have liked him for a number of years – I tried to sign him twice.”

“He has got a bit of everything. He has great movement, can score with both feet, he’s good in the air and dribbles with the ball really well. He is a big talent.”

Ekitike has been a big success on Merseyside

Many questioned the £69m transfer fee paid for the 23-year-old back in the summer, but it already looks as if the money has been well spent.

Ekitike has scored 13 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 appearances so far this campaign. He looks to be on course to hit the 20-goal mark in his first year at the club.

2 of Liverpool’s big summer signings are beginning to gel

Ekitike seems to have struck up a good understanding with Florian Wirtz, which can only be a good thing for the future. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard pointed out that the pair are on the “same wavelength” following the 6-0 win over Qarabag earlier this week.

As Howe mentions as well, it does help that Ekitike is very much an all-rounder. His attributes mean he is able to hold up the ball and run in behind defences.

You would say his finishing can still do with a bit of work, but that would be nitpicking. There can be no argument that Ekitike has been the pick of the bunch from the club’s summer recruits.

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