Hugo Ekitike: Striker reveals why he joined Liverpool after promising Anfield debut

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Evening Standard

·4 août 2025

Hugo Ekitike: Striker reveals why he joined Liverpool after promising Anfield debut

French striker impressed on-debut as Reds won twice

Hugo Ekitike has said that he joined Liverpool “to win” after he made his bow at Anfield for the first time.

Vidéos OneFootball

Ekitike, who joined the Reds in a £69million move from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, made his second appearance for the Premier League champions against Athletic Bilbao on Monday.

The French striker assisted Mohamed Salah’s opener in the second of two games against the Basque side, with Arne Slot’s side coming out 4-1 and 3-2 victors in 5pm and 8pm kick-offs on Merseyside.

Slot plumped for a much stronger side in the second game, and his first-choice players, including five new signings, were put through their paces by a stubborn La Liga outfit, who came back from a goal down twice on an emotional afternoon at Anfield, with Liverpool playing at home for the first time since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, who was commemorated before and during both games.

Speaking to LFCTV after the second match, Ekitike revealed why he had moved to the north-west.

“We have a group of competitors,” Ekitike said.

“We want to win everything. We are going to give 100%. I am going to give 100%. I am here to win.”

Ekitike was playing with his new team-mates for only the second time, but looked a real threat in the 58 minutes he played, occupying both Bilbao central defenders and showing his pace and directness in his assist for Salah.

“I enjoy playing with them,” Ekitike said of his colleagues.

“Outside of the pitch they are good guys. We have some little things to fix, on the ball. I have things I can do better. I am going to enjoy playing with them for the season.”

Ektike said that he wishes that he will play many games at Anfield.

“I enjoyed it a lot,” he said of his home debut.

“It was such a good atmosphere for the first game for me. I feel proud. I wish I play so many games in this stadium. It is amazing.”

As for Slot, the Liverpool head coach already had his mind on how his side could improve before this weekend’s Community Shield against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

He also emphasised the importance of staying one step ahead of direct rivals.

“You always need to make the next step,” Slot said.

“Our competitors have not stood still. They have also improved their squad with signings, like us.”

“There is always room for improvement in every department. In my opinion we added some extra weapons. Florian added creativity but we lost creativity with Trent.”