"Liverpool Snaps Up Hugo Ekitike: A £69 Million Striker Set to Shine!"
💰 A RECORD-BREAKING SIGNING! 💰
Liverpool has officially completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million, pending international clearance. The 23-year-old French striker has passed his medical and agreed to personal terms, and he’s set to join the Reds on their pre-season tour of Asia later this week.
🚀 A BIG MOVE:
Frankfurt accepted a deal worth £79 million, which includes £69 million guaranteed and £10 million in potential add-ons. Ekitike's arrival pushes Liverpool's summer spending past the £250 million mark, following their record-breaking acquisition of Florian Wirtz for a potential British record of £116 million and the signings of defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong for a combined £70 million.
⚔️ A STRIKER ON FIRE:
Ekitike had a stellar season at Frankfurt, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 31 starts, helping the club finish third in the Bundesliga. Only five players outperformed him in the German top flight, and no one had more than his 117 shots on goal.
Markus Krosche, Frankfurt's sporting director, praised Ekitike's development, stating, "He has been a true asset to our team and the entire club both on and off the pitch."
🔄 A JOURNEY TO SUCCESS:
Ekitike's rise to prominence is a testament to Frankfurt's shrewd recruitment. After a loan spell in early 2024, he struggled to make an impact at Paris St-Germain due to fierce competition. Frankfurt took a chance on him, and he quickly became a key player, showcasing his versatility as both a lone striker and in a partnership under manager Dino Toppmoller.
⚡ A TACTICAL MASTER:
Ekitike is not just a box striker; he’s known for his tactical intelligence and ability to interchange positions. His partnership with Omar Marmoush was electric until Marmoush's January transfer to Manchester City forced a tactical shift. Ekitike adapted well, playing up front with two attacking midfielders behind him, proving his adaptability.
📊 STATS THAT STAND OUT:
With 15 goals and eight assists, Ekitike recorded the fifth-highest goal involvements in the Bundesliga last season. He excelled in creating chances from open play, leading all Bundesliga forwards with 44 chances created in the 2024-25 season.
However, there’s a slight concern regarding his finishing; despite taking 117 shots, he converted only 12.8%, leading to an xG under-performance of 6.6 goals—the largest gap among players in Europe’s 'Big Five' leagues.
🌟 A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD:
Liverpool fans can expect Ekitike to bring flair and creativity to the squad, reminiscent of Alexander Isak, but with a unique ability to take on defenders. With a little fine-tuning in front of goal, he could become a key player for the Reds as they aim for glory this season.
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