Ekitike opens up on Slot conversation that convinced him to join Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool in a £79m deal from Eintracht Frankfurt despite competition from a host of clubs, including Newcastle. The Frenchman has now revealed how Arne Slot convinced him to move to Anfield

New Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has revealed how a "very good discussion" with Arne Slot convinced him to move to Anfield after a huge amount of interest in his signature this summer.

The Reds won the race to sign the French striker after a sensational season in the Bundesliga saw him score 22 times and turn the heads of many clubs across Europe.

Newcastle were on of the interested clubs and had a bid rejected by Frankfurt, with Liverpool then swooping in shortly after.

It became clear Liverpool were Ekitike's first choice as they quickly wrapped up a £79million transfer - and he has now linked up with the rest of his team-mates on their pre-season tour of Asia.

With the deal rubber-stamped, Ekitike has been giving his first interview and explained how Arne Slot's persuasive tactics helped seal the move, praising the Dutchman as a "really good coach and person"

"We had a very good first discussion together," he told the club's official website. "Obviously the coach is very human so we could talk not only about football [but] about everything.

"I find him very interesting and I was very pleased to see what I can do with him because I think he is a really nice guy and I can still improve and progress with him. So, yeah, he is a really good coach and good person first, so that’s why he made me want to come here."

According to ESPN, Ekitike was won over by Slot during a video call where the former Feyenoord coach presented how the France star would fit into his tactical plans.

A similar persuasion technique was used to bring Florian Wirtz to Liverpool for a British transfer record of £116.5m, with the player's father Hans-Joachim revealing how key Slot was in talks to sway him over a potential move to German club Bayern Munich.

Speaking to Der Spiegel he said: "Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch. He's also a very pleasant person.

"Florian's best coaches have always been those who gave him plenty of freedom. And those with the greatest empathy have also reached Florian. He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism.

"Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas. This made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive."