Liverpool’s latest move in the transfer market is more than just a backup plan. By signing Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt, the Premier League champions have added a player who fits their high-speed, high-press style perfectly. And even though Alexander Isak was the original target, Ekitiké may prove to be the smarter pickup.
From Quiet Start to Breakout Season:
Hugo Ekitiké began his professional journey at Stade de Reims. After a couple of substitute appearances in 2020-21, he finally got his big break the following season. Under coach Óscar García, he netted 10 goals in 24 Ligue 1 matches and stood out in an average Reims side.
He caught the attention of Newcastle United, but it was Paris Saint-Germain who brought him in on loan. At PSG, playing time was limited. Surrounded by Mbappé, Neymar and Messi, Ekitiké was mostly used off the bench. Even after the move became permanent, the arrival of new stars left him on the sidelines.
In 2023-24, he played just nine minutes in Ligue 1 before Eintracht Frankfurt offered him a way out in January. That decision turned his career around.
Breakthrough in Germany:
Ekitiké took a few weeks to settle in at Frankfurt, but everything changed from April. In the final five Bundesliga matches of the season, he scored four goals and added five assists. He ended the 2024-25 campaign with 15 goals and eight assists, helping Frankfurt reach the Champions League.
Only Harry Kane and Andrej Kramaric were involved in more Bundesliga goals than Ekitiké during that stretch.
His numbers speak loudly. He averaged over four shots and more than seven touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes. Only players like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé matched those stats. His non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.67) ranked him among the best in Europe.
Finishing Still Needs Work:
Ekitiké found himself in great scoring positions but didn’t always convert. He scored 14 non-penalty goals from an expected 19.2, giving him the largest underperformance in Europe’s top five leagues. His conversion rate was 12.3 percent, compared to Isak’s 20 percent. But for a young striker still growing, this isn’t alarming.
He’s just turned 23 and has logged less than 6,000 minutes of top-flight football. With the right coaching and teammates around him, there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Perfect Fit for Liverpool’s System:
Eintracht Frankfurt led the Bundesliga in fast-break goals last season. Liverpool led all of Europe. Ekitiké excelled in those moments, with only three players having more shots after carrying the ball forward ; Yamal, Mbappé and Mason Greenwood.
He fits perfectly into Liverpool’s high-speed transitions and chaos-driven attack. That alone makes him an ideal addition.
Pressing Power:
Despite Frankfurt’s average pressing stats, Ekitiké was a machine when they pushed high. He led his team in high-intensity final-third pressures per 90 minutes. Only a few Bundesliga players pressed more in the opposition half.
This effort mirrors Isak’s role at Newcastle. Isak was also a pressing leader in the Premier League, ranking high for final-third pressure numbers. According to Opta’s player comparison tool, Ekitiké and Isak shared an 84 percent similarity in style and stats.
If Isak was Liverpool’s top pick, Ekitiké isn’t far behind.
What’s Next for Ekitiké:
Liverpool have already added other Bundesliga talents like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. With Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez possibly on their way out and Federico Chiesa struggling with fitness, Ekitiké brings much-needed quality and depth to the attack.
The tragic death of Diogo Jota also leaves a void in the frontline. Ekitiké could help fill it, supporting stars like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo while continuing to develop into a top-tier forward.
A Smart Investment:
Ekitiké isn’t just a backup option. He’s a young, explosive attacker with upside, versatility, and a work rate that suits Liverpool’s identity. His finishing may need fine-tuning, but his movement, pressing, and transition threat make him a valuable addition.
This time, unlike his move to PSG, he’s stepping into a club and a system that will give him the space to shine.
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