Zoom call from Arne Slot changed Ekitike’s mind over Liverpool transfer

Liverpool’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike has taken a decisive flip following a reported “masterclass” pitch from our Premier League-winning head coach.

In line with Beth Lindop and Julien Laurens for ESPN, Arne Slot held a Zoom name with the 23-year-old French striker final week, after preliminary contact had been made along with his representatives way back to March.

Throughout that dialog, the Dutchman is claimed to have detailed his imaginative and prescient for Liverpool’s assault within the post-Darwin Nunez period — and his pressing want for a “cell and dynamic No.9” who may deliver each “brilliance on the ball” and “tenacity and intelligence off it.”

Ekitike can change the way in which Slot operates with Liverpool

Ekitike, who bagged 22 targets and 12 assists in 48 video games for Eintracht Frankfurt final season, reportedly considered himself as the proper match for the function — a perception cemented by the non-public pitch from our boss.

Sources instructed ESPN that the Zoom name prompted the striker to “prioritise” a transfer to Anfield, regardless of robust curiosity from different golf equipment.

Considered one of these golf equipment was stated to be Manchester United, in line with David Ornstein, which solely makes this signing even sweeter.

Arne Slot helped safe the signing of Hugo Ekitike

Slot’s intervention seems to have performed a key function in accelerating our pursuit of the previous PSG ahead, who joined Frankfurt completely in January 2024 however may now change into our newest attacking addition.

Liverpool have already signed Florian Wirtz this summer time — one other transfer the place our head coach’s function has been credited, on this event by the participant’s father.

Ought to Ekitike arrive, it could spell the top for Nunez’s time at Liverpool, with Al Hilal and Napoli amongst these monitoring the Uruguayan’s state of affairs.

Ekitike’s profile — tall, quick, inventive and hard-working — affords precisely what our head coach appears to need from his No.9. This switch might but show to be a defining second in shaping the subsequent period at Anfield.

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