1 week ago
83
As Hugo Ekitike edges closer to completing a high-profile move to Liverpool, Arne Slot has been issued a quiet warning about the French striker’s past.
Ekitike is on the verge of becoming Liverpool’s latest marquee signing in a deal worth up to $111 million including add-ons. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward is set to sign a six-year contract until 2031 following a scheduled medical after Liverpool and Eintract Frankfurt reportedly reached an agreement, as Slot continues reshaping his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, despite Ekitike’s standout performances last season questions have been raised surrounding the 23-year-old's character away from the pitch.
Oscar Garcia, who previously coached the 23-year-old at Stade Reims, has offered insight into what Liverpool can expect from their new signing, along with some advice on how best to manage him.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Garcia described Ekitike as a naturally confident and ambitious player, traits he has consistently displayed throughout his development.
“He always was a talented player but some coaches did not like him because of his profile and sometimes because of his character,” said Garcia. “They were thinking he was a little bit arrogant. He always wanted to be compared with the best ones.”
During his time at Reims, Ekitike was initially challenged to match the standards of two unnamed Ligue 1 forwards—but it wasn’t long before he set his sights on reaching the level of Kylian Mbappe.
In terms of Ekitike’s traits, Garcia added: “He is not a kind of a striker who will be always into the box waiting for a cross, he is very mobile and very difficult to mark.
"He can fit with teams that play more counter-attack but also with teams with more possession, because he has the skill for both styles. You do not find many strikers like him at his age. He is tall, fast, mobile, very good one against one, holds the ball and scores goals.”
However, Garcia emphasized that Ekitike will require personalized coaching to reach his full potential, noting that a tailored approach is key to unlocking the next stage of his development.
He said: “All players can improve. He knows which aspects he can improve on but he also needs help to develop his potential to reach the level that all the people who know him believe he can reach. Individual work with him will be fundamental for his development".
Slot will now face the task of ensuring Ekitike not only delivers on the pitch, but integrates smoothly into a group already stacked with attacking options. Still, there’s little doubt about Ekitike’s potential. The pacey, intelligent forward was instrumental in Frankfurt’s Champions League qualification last season and is seen as a long-term solution in Liverpool’s evolving frontline
English (US) ·