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Hugo Ekitike will quickly learn about hostile away atmospheres in the Premier League when the French forward makes his first road trip in England next month.
He’s unlikely to receive a good reception at St James’ Park on Aug. 25, when Liverpool faces its first away game of the 2025-26 season. Had things gone differently, he could have lined up in black and white stripes, with Alexander Isak perhaps donning a red jersey.
Last week, that prospect didn’t seem far-fetched as the Reds approached Newcastle United to ascertain Isak’s availability, while the north-east club pressed ahead with its plans to sign Ekitike.
But this wasn’t a last-minute gamble from Liverpool, whose interest in the Frenchman actually dates back to January when the club first approached Ekitike’s camp. He was in the midst of what ultimately proved to be a 22-goal season as he reclaimed his status as an elite European striker.
A previous stint at Paris Saint-Germain didn’t quite leave supporters in the French capital with that impression — given he was playing behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, perhaps that wasn’t a surprise. However, in capturing Ekitike, Liverpool feels it has signed a striker who only Mbappe and Erling Haaland have provided comparable stats with for those under 23.
It’s why the club felt willing to part with up to $107 million (£79M) to secure his services. The attacker has attracted admirers from all across Europe this summer; Arsenal was linked with a move, Manchester United made a late effort to hijack the deal last week, while Newcastle obviously was convinced of its capabilities.
It’s believed the Magpies turned to Ekitike after moves for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro fell through, and as negotiations were in the closing stages with Eintracht Frankfurt, Liverpool made its move. By that point, it avoided a bidding war.
The interest was long established, though, and Arne Slot even spoke to the player at the end of the season. Ultimately, Newcastle had no chance. Ekitike’s head was naturally turned by the prospect of joining the Premier League champions.
Talks developed quickly after Newcastle rebuffed any suggestions Isak could be on his way to Anfield. On Monday, Liverpool and Frankfurt agreed on a fee. By Tuesday, he had completed his medical, and on Wednesday, Ekitike was unveiled as the Reds’ seventh summer arrival.
Liverpool believes it has signed a multi‑functional striker capable of carrying out multiple roles in the team. He’s fast and can stretch opposition defenses, but is also comfortable dropping deep and linking the play. Twelve assists from last season indicate that.
His numbers are exceptional in all but one area: finishing. Last season, Ekitike underscored his expected goals, but Liverpool feels confident that those numbers will only improve from a relatively small sample size. It expects an upgrade on the 22 strikes from the 2024-25 campaign.
In a summer where a plethora of No. 9s were available on the market, Liverpool plumped for Ekitike as it believes the center-forward can become one of the world’s best in his position.
Should he score at St James’ Park in 32 days’ time, that decision will already feel a tad more vindicated.
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