Liverpool enjoyed a historic summer transfer window, splashing out a record-breaking £450 million to bring in eight new senior players — the most they’ve ever signed and spent in a single window.
In doing so, the Reds shattered the British transfer record twice — first by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for up to £116 million, and then by sealing a £125 million deadline-day deal for Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
While those two big-money arrivals grabbed the headlines, another major addition quietly slipped in under the radar — Hugo Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million, turning down offers from Newcastle and Manchester United to join Liverpool.
Three months later, the 23-year-old Frenchman has quickly become a fan favourite, outshining many of his fellow newcomers with an explosive start to life at Anfield.
Ekitike has scored five goals and registered one assist in his first 10 appearances, including a Merseyside derby winner and goals on both his debut and first Premier League outing — making him the first Liverpool player since Daniel Sturridge in 2013 to score in each of his first three games.
His only misstep so far came in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, when he was sent off for celebrating his winner by taking off his shirt. Yet, even that hasn’t dented his growing popularity, as fans have already come up with a catchy terrace chant for him to the tune of “Do the Conga.”
Initially, supporters were most excited about Wirtz’s arrival — drawing comparisons to the buzz surrounding Fernando Torres back in 2007. When Isak eventually signed, he too became a headline-grabber. But by then, Ekitike had already made his mark.
His dynamic playing style has even drawn comparisons to Torres, one of his childhood idols. “I really liked Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney, and Torres — those were the players I grew up watching,” he told Stan Sport.
Interestingly, when Liverpool were still pursuing Isak, many believed their interest in Ekitike was just a ploy to pressure Newcastle. However, it soon became clear that Liverpool had long been tracking the French striker — and that they actually wanted both players.
Some doubted Ekitike’s decision to join a club that was also signing one of Europe’s top strikers, assuming he’d struggle for game time. But those critics misunderstood his mindset — competition has never scared him.
At just 20 years old, he joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan from Reims, with the French giants eventually making the deal permanent for €35 million. Competing with Messi, Mbappe, and Neymar, he understandably saw limited minutes — yet he still made an impression, earning the nickname “iron rod” from Messi because of his slim build but impressive speed.
Though his opportunities were few, Ekitike now reflects on that experience as a valuable lesson. “At the time, I just wanted to play,” he said in an interview last year. “But looking back, I realise how lucky I was to train alongside the best players in the world. It made me hungrier to learn and improve.”
After moving to Frankfurt, it took until April for him to score his first goal. But soon after, the German club activated their €16.5 million buy option — and Ekitike repaid their faith with a brilliant 22-goal season in 2024/25, catching Liverpool’s eye well before their summer move.
At Frankfurt, he thrived alongside Omar Marmoush, who later moved to Manchester City for £59 million. While Marmoush got more attention, Ekitike’s performances were equally impressive — solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising forwards.
Now at Liverpool, he faces competition again — this time from Isak. But Ekitike welcomes it. “We’re at a massive club. No big team relies on just one striker,” he said. “Playing alongside him will only make me better. I can adapt to different systems — two up front, one up front — it doesn’t matter.”
Whether Arne Slot decides to play them together remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ekitike’s electric form has already ensured that Isak won’t automatically be the undisputed No. 9.
He might not have been the flashiest name when he arrived, but Hugo Ekitike’s early impact suggests he could finish the season as Liverpool’s standout signing.
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