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An agent has disclosed the inside story of how Liverpool managed to secure Hugo Ekitike in a £79 million ($107m) transfer, edging out Newcastle United even though the Magpies believed they had already finalised the deal.

During the summer transfer window, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot were both searching for attacking reinforcements. Newcastle were in the market for a new striker following Alexander Isak’s desire to leave Tyneside.

In a major twist, Isak eventually completed a record-breaking £125m ($169m) move to Liverpool — but only after the Reds had already brought in the French forward, Ekitike. That signing took place while it still seemed Newcastle would refuse any offers for Isak.

Newcastle were convinced they had secured Ekitike’s signature, with Manchester United also expressing interest, but the highly-rated 23-year-old ultimately chose Merseyside after a late approach from Slot and his team.

Ali Barat, the agent involved in Ekitike’s transfer, revealed to Tuttosport when asked about a deal that left him disappointed during the last window: “Hugo Ekitike. I was representing Eintracht Frankfurt to facilitate his move to Newcastle. I spent 10 days in Germany. We had agreed everything with the German club and the player, but then Liverpool contacted him and he decided to join Anfield.”

Since his arrival, Ekitike has made a strong start at Liverpool. He opened his scoring account in the Community Shield and has since netted two more goals in the Premier League, taking his tally to three. The key question now is whether he will line up alongside Isak once the record-breaking striker is ready to make his debut for the Reds.