Liverpool`s ambitious summer transfer window continued with the acquisition of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday. This signing signals the Reds` intent to build a new attacking force, with Ekitike expected to play a significant role at Anfield.
The transfer fee for the 23-year-old could potentially exceed $100 million, a substantial investment in the young talent. While Ekitike might not have been widely recognized before this summer, his performance at Frankfurt – 24 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances – clearly demonstrates his potent goalscoring ability and knack for creating opportunities for others. Reports indicate he also drew interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and particularly Newcastle United, before making his move to Liverpool in what has been a busy transfer period for the club.
Ekitike`s arrival is part of a broader spending spree by Liverpool this summer, with the club already investing approximately $400 million in transfer fees. Other significant acquisitions include midfielder Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial $135 million, as well as wingbacks Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. These additions collectively address the Reds` attacking requirements. Despite securing the Premier League title last season, largely thanks to Mohamed Salah`s outstanding form, Liverpool is clearly not content to stand still.
Liverpool appears determined to forge an attacking powerhouse capable of challenging for multiple trophies next season. Ekitike is expected to be a pivotal figure in this ambition, contributing both immediately and in the long run. Let`s delve deeper into what the French forward brings to the Reds.
Hugo Ekitike`s Strengths: Versatility and Goalscoring Acumen
Ekitike possesses clear strengths as a forward, most notably his prolific goalscoring ability. He netted 24 goals in 64 appearances for Frankfurt and was ranked second in the Bundesliga for expected goals (xG) last season, accumulating 21.62 xG and finishing among the top ten goalscorers with 15 actual goals. He is also a high-volume shooter, leading the German top flight in the 2024-25 season with 117 shots and ranking second for shots on target with 48.
His adaptability across the attacking line further enhances his potential, complemented by his significant contributions to team play. During his time at Frankfurt, Ekitike registered 14 assists, including eight in the Bundesliga last season, setting up seven different teammates in his final year. This broad skillset made him a coveted target for several prominent English clubs and is expected to benefit him greatly at Liverpool, particularly as he is still far from reaching his full potential.
Hugo Ekitike`s Weaknesses: Physicality and Experience
Some might argue that Ekitike currently lacks the physical robustness required for a league as demanding as the Premier League. Furthermore, his acquisition by Liverpool immediately following his breakthrough season in Germany means the 23-year-old`s overall professional track record isn`t extensive enough to definitively prove his long-term reliability. However, these are addressable issues, and Liverpool will aim to refine other aspects of his play. The Athletic reported that Frankfurt had intended to keep Ekitike for the upcoming season, having identified finishing and effectiveness against deep defensive lines as areas for his development.
Challenges Faced at Paris Saint-Germain
Ekitike`s initial experience with a major club environment occurred during a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain. PSG signed him following an impressive 11-goal season for his boyhood club, Reims, in the 2021-22 campaign. He first joined PSG on a season-long loan for the 2022-23 season, which was then made permanent the following year. However, securing regular playing time proved challenging. His tenure in the French capital coincided with the latter stages of PSG`s era featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, severely limiting his opportunities. Across two seasons, he accumulated nearly 1,200 league minutes, averaging just under 45 minutes per game, and scored only four goals before moving to Frankfurt on loan for the latter half of the 2023-24 season.
Success Story After Paris Saint-Germain
Regular playing time in Germany proved highly beneficial for Ekitike, allowing him to flourish within an exciting, youthful Frankfurt squad. He showcased strong dribbling and passing skills, converting these into impressive goal and assist tallies. He concluded last season as Frankfurt`s leading scorer with 22 goals. While he formed an effective partnership with Omar Marmoush, who netted 20 goals before his winter transfer to Manchester City, Ekitike`s individual performance in terms of goals and assists also stood out, demonstrating his ability to excel independently.
Hugo Ekitike`s Role in Liverpool`s Setup
Last season, Mohamed Salah`s exceptional individual displays largely masked underlying attacking deficiencies at Liverpool. This was despite manager Arne Slot seemingly favoring a more restrained attacking approach in his inaugural season compared to his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp. Beyond Salah, only Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz reached double figures in goals. Crucially, there was no clear primary option for the No. 9 striker role; it was evidently not Diaz`s optimal position, and Darwin Nunez struggled to make a significant impact in Slot`s first year, registering only seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.
Ekitike appears to be the most suitable candidate for that central striking role at Liverpool currently, though a potential pursuit of Newcastle`s Alexander Isak could alter this dynamic. At 23, Ekitike is far from a singular type of No. 9, which benefits the Reds as they establish a fresh attacking identity. While Florian Wirtz is set to be the primary creative force, Ekitike possesses the capability to provide substantial support. Additionally, Frimpong and Kerkez are expected to enhance the attacking strategy with their progressive play from wide areas. This tactical approach does not diminish Salah`s importance; in fact, the abundance of wide options might enable the Egyptian international to feature more centrally, representing a shrewd tactical adaptation for the 33-year-old in the latter stages of his career, especially given his continued strong form.
