Ekitike’s comment on Gravenberch’s Instagram post has left Liverpool supporters reeling.

 

 

Hugo Ekitike couldn’t resist a playful dig on Instagram following Liverpool’s emphatic 6–0 victory over Qarabag on Wednesday night, responding to a post shared by Ryan Gravenberch.

With Giovanni Leoni unavailable, Joe Gomez sidelined through injury and Ibrahima Konate absent on compassionate grounds, Gravenberch was deployed as an emergency centre-back alongside fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.

The 23-year-old was later able to move back into his natural midfield role during the closing stages, as Arne Slot handed teenage defender Amara Nallo a rare first-team appearance once the result — and automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 — was beyond doubt.

After the final whistle, Gravenberch celebrated Liverpool’s third-place finish in the league phase on Instagram, posting a series of photos with the caption “Top 8,” reflecting the Reds’ avoidance of a knockout play-off next month.

Ekitike quickly joined the conversation, joking about Gravenberch’s stint in defence with the comment “Guehi!! 😂” — a clear nod to Liverpool’s failed pursuit of the former Crystal Palace centre-back before his recent switch to Manchester City.

Supporters were left unsure whether to laugh or wince at the tongue-in-cheek remark, depending on how they view the club’s ultimately unsuccessful chase for the England international.

Despite the modest opposition, Gravenberch performed competently in an unfamiliar role, making key interceptions and showing calmness in possession from the back.

Nevertheless, his redeployment highlighted the lack of depth available to Slot in central defence. The head coach’s post-match remarks also hinted that supporters should not expect a late defensive signing before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The situation only underlines how different things might have been had Liverpool acted earlier in their pursuit of Guehi last summer, rather than leaving it until deadline day, when Crystal Palace ultimately shut the door on the move.

Slot has suggested that Konate could return for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle, though Gomez remains a doubt. While their availability would ease the immediate strain, Liverpool would still be operating with minimal margin for error at centre-back unless Richard Hughes delivers a late solution in the coming days.