Liverpool’s New Forward Set for Big Premier League Impact | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike Ready for Premier League Stage

Liverpool have a new attacking option in Hugo Ekitike, a £79m signing from Eintracht Frankfurt who arrives at Anfield with a reputation for pace, skill and clinical finishing. The 23-year-old forward has completed a journey from early struggles at Reims, to a learning loan in Denmark, to the Bundesliga, and now to the Premier League champions.

His rise has not been without challenges. Four years ago, Ekitike was still trying to break through at his boyhood club, Reims, before being sent to Vejle in Denmark’s Superliga. It was a move designed to harden him for top-level football.

Early Lessons in Denmark

Ekitike joined Vejle as an 18-year-old in January 2021, stepping into a relegation battle in a league far removed from the glamour of Anfield. Former Vejle head coach Constantin Galca recalls his debut vividly.

“We put him on for the final 10 minutes as a striker and he didn’t play very well, but that is normal,” Galca says. “You need a little time to adapt to the team. But the next game we put him left-wing. We saw before in the clips of him that he had good control, good speed. Before he was playing more as a striker, but we thought he would be dangerous on the wing. He’s a perfect player for modern football because he has all the attributes: pace, skill, physicality and finishing.”

At Vejle, Ekitike faced the mental challenge of adapting to cold, dark Danish winters and the demands of a new football culture. It was two and a half months before he started a match. Galca remembers his gradual transformation.

“The days are short, the nights are long and it is very cold. But step by step, he spoke a little more. He became more settled in the environment and got to know his teammates. He worked very hard every day and earned the confidence of his teammates. He was very smart, learning and adapting to our philosophy very quickly.”

Ekitike became a popular figure in the dressing room, first to dance when the music played and never shy about taking on senior players in training with quick feet and dribbling skill.

Building Reputation in Europe

His return to Reims was decisive. Ekitike scored 10 Ligue 1 goals in 2021-22, earning a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain, which became permanent for €35m. A switch to Eintracht Frankfurt followed in 2024, where he hit 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches last season.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite his goal record and club valuations, Ekitike has yet to make a senior international appearance for France. Liverpool believe his potential is yet to be fully realised and that he can develop into one of the game’s most feared strikers.

Galca, who often used Ekitike as a winger, says, “It doesn’t matter if he played facing or with his back to the goal, he always had a solution, regardless of the situation, whether he was close to goal or further back up the pitch.”

First Glimpses in Red

Ekitike wasted no time in showing Liverpool fans his ability, scoring in the Community Shield win over Crystal Palace by cutting in from the left and curling home. Arne Slot may see him as an option both centrally and wide, and with a potential move for Alexander Isak also under discussion, the forward line could be even more formidable.

Photo: IMAGO

Galca draws comparisons to other talents he has worked with. “Marco was similar, playing at a very high level, but Ekitiké has more quality one against one. He works harder, he has better physical condition … He would always score more goals because he is the better finisher.”

From Denmark’s harsh winters to Anfield’s bright lights, Ekitike’s journey has been one of adaptation, perseverance and growth. Liverpool supporters will now watch to see if this investment delivers another star for the Premier League champions.