Hugo’s Former Teammate: “The joy he had for playing was amazing to see” | OneFootball

Ekitike Set for Medical Ahead of Six-Year Deal

The 23-year-old French forward is expected to arrive in the UK on Tuesday to undergo a medical and finalise terms on a six-year contract. Assuming all proceeds smoothly, Ekitike will promptly link up with Arne Slot’s squad in Hong Kong for the club’s pre-season tour — a tour increasingly resembling a launchpad for Liverpool’s new era.

While personal terms were yet to be signed as of the weekend, sources close to the deal confirm that Ekitike has made Anfield his preferred destination for some time, easing negotiations and allowing Liverpool to move swiftly once a breakthrough in talks was achieved on Saturday.

Developing Into a Complete Forward

What has made Frankfurt’s No. 9 so compelling to scouts is the sheer range in his game. He is more than just a goal threat. Capable of operating across the front line — centrally or cutting in from the left — he has demonstrated exceptional movement and link-up play, often opening up spaces in tightly packed defences.

His contribution in Europe was particularly notable. A standout performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League quarter-finals highlighted his composure under pressure and ability to deliver on the continental stage. A fine goal in the first leg served as a reminder of his counter-attacking threat, with pace and directness troubling even elite-level defenders.

Physically, his game has evolved. While his technical attributes have never been in doubt, this season brought a new aerial threat, with goals from set-pieces and clever positioning in the box. At times, defenders struggled to handle his combination of height, strength and intelligent movement — particularly when Frankfurt committed numbers forward.

Joy in the Dressing Room

According to BBC Sport, Schoop recalled memories of Ekitike’s stint at the club as he let the Frenchman’s future team-mates in on the lively character: “He was always in a good mood, and he liked to have some fun in the dressing room,” he said.

“If there was a song on the speaker he would be dancing. That’s not really the Danish culture – most of us were more reserved! He was a happy boy, and even though he didn’t play as much in the beginning, he trained well and had a really good attitude.

“The joy he had for playing was amazing to see. Even during a tough session, he’d still be laughing, finding fun in beating players one-v-one, or putting in that little bit extra.”

Areas For Growth Remain

Despite the plaudits, his game still shows signs of refinement. There have been moments of inconsistency, particularly with finishing. He occasionally rushes shots or misjudges the final ball, and clubs watching him closely will be aware of the need for greater efficiency.

However, that should not overshadow the progress made. In one of Europe’s most tactically demanding leagues, he has emerged as a versatile, intelligent and physically capable forward — all at just 22 years old. With top-level experience now under his belt, his trajectory remains upward, and Premier League interest is understood to be long-standing.