Hugo Ekitike reacts to emotional exit message as Liverpool transfer nears
Liverpool and Newcastle United’s transfer battle for Hugo Ekitike is set to conclude as both sides remain keen on the striker.
Despite rival interest from Newcastle, Ekitike wants to join Liverpool, who are vying to retain their Premier League title.
While the Magpies will be disappointed to miss out on the 23-year-old, the Merseyside giants are set to give up on their pursuit of fellow forward Alexander Isak.
Isak excelled for Newcastle last term, notching 23 goals in the Premier League, and Eddie Howe will need his star man to perform in the Champions League.
Ekitike reacts to Sheffield Wednesday exit as Liverpool close in on striker
Ekitike scored 22 goals for Frankfurt across all competitions last season and will likely shine for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the France Under-21 international’s former PSG teammate Djeidi Gassama has left Sheffield Wednesday to join Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.
The winger took to Instagram on Thursday, 17 July, to say farewell to the Championship club as he wrote: “After two incredible seasons at Sheffield Wednesday, it’s time to say goodbye. This club has shaped me in so many ways, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
“To everyone at the club, coaches, staff, teammates, and especially the fans, thank you for making these years so special. I’ve grown here both as a player and as a person.
“Sheffield Wednesday will always be a part of me. Wishing you all the very best for the future. Thank you for everything. Djeidi.”
Gassama’s emotional message to the South Yorkshire outfit received a like from the much sought after Ekitike.
Gassama will excel at Rangers
Football Insider verdict
Gassama has opted to leave South Yorkshire amid the backdrop of Sheffield Wednesday’s ongoing financial crisis under the failed ownership of Dejphon Chansiri.
| Djeidi Gassama stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 1 |
But on the pitch last term, the 21-year-old played a key role as the Owls landed a comfortable mid-table spot, scoring seven goals and producing one assist in 44 Championship appearances.
The youngster still boasts plenty of potential, and his performances in the second tier prove that he will be an asset in the Scottish Premiership.
New Rangers boss Russell Martin has been handed the difficult task of helping the Bears close the gap on fierce rivals Celtic to win their first top-flight title since 2021.
However, Gassama can help the Ibrox outfit do just that, while Martin’s exploits in the Championship with former club Southampton suggest that he can effectively coach former second-tier talents such as the ex-Sheffield Wednesday winger.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jack Butland has been tipped to consider a Rangers exit in an Ibrox News exclusive.