There was a heartwarming moment for Liverpool fans on Thursday as new signing Hugo Ekitiké met his team-mates for the first time — in Hong Kong, where the Reds are currently stationed for pre-season preparations.

The finalities of a six-year contract were announced on Wednesday evening, by which time the French striker was already on a plane to the Far East.

Frankfurt fans are gutted to see Hugo Ekitike leave for Liverpool and have taken to social media to praise the striker’s commitment during his time at the Deutsche Bank Park. The Merseyside club announced the signing of the Frenchman on Wednesday evening, and he is now due to link up with his new teammates in Hong Kong.

The Safer Choice for Liverpool’s Title PushThis is an abridged version; the full article is available free on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page:Proven Output in the

Liverpool are said to have reacted to Newcastle shutting the door on Isak talks by launching a bid for Ekitike, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Thursday morning that they are now ahead of the Magpies in the race to sign the French forward. The Reds expect to sign Ekitike if all hopes of an Isak deal end.

Liverpool famously vetoed the £53m signing of Nabil Fekir from Lyon back in June 2018 after becoming aware of a knee issue, once the Frenchman had carried out his medical. Therefore, if something similar occurs during Ekitike’s medical check, those at Anfield could well send him back to Frankfurt.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could head to Saudi Arabia once the Reds finalise the signing of Hugo Ekitike, with a 'gargantuan' salary on offer.