Hugo Ekitike's career is the perfect example of never giving up, as he has gone from a flop at PSG to now a superstar at Liverpool. In a season that has been nothing less than a disaster for Arne Slot and Liverpool fans, Ekitike has been that rare shining lighting that has given them hope and happiness. In fact, he has already established himself as Liverpool's only successful signing from their record breaking £400 million plus Summer Transfer Window spending spree. He has already outshone the likes of star names Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. The Frenchman is now a fan favorite at Anfield. Let us now look back at the career of Ekitike , and how to take failure as a motivation to rise up and make it big.
A dream PSG transfer that ended in disaster
It was on 16th July 2022, that PSG signed Hugo Ekitike on a season-long loan with an option-to-buy for a reported fee of €35 million with bonuses included. There were reports as well that the buy option was a mandatory one. Ekitike then went on to make his debut for the club as a substitute in a 5–0 league win away to Clermont on 6th August 2022. Later on 1st October, Ekitike made his first start for the club in a 2-1 win over Nice. Just 10 days later, The French forward made his Champions League debut as PSG drew 1-1 to Benfica. It was on 13th November that Ekitike scored his first goal for the club, as PSG beat Auxerre 5-0. The season ended with PSG winning the league, which meant Ekitike finally got his hands on a major trophy. However, it was a forgettable season for him on an individual basis, as he only had four goals and four assists in thirty-two matches.
Ekitike 's transfer to the club was later made permanent. However, he was later excluded from PSG's Champions League squad for the 2023–24 season. Sadly, that was the biggest indicator that it was the beginning of the end for him in Paris.
The career-changing move to Frankfurt
German club Eintracht Frankfurt got Ekitike on loan with a purchase option on 1st February 2024. It was at Frankfurt where Ekitike rediscovered his true talent that many felt he possessed, and he went on to form a devastating partnership with Omar Marmoush, who later joined Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. As Ekitike continued his excellent run at Frankfurt, the club activated the buy option they had and got him permanently for a fee of €16.5 million. The French striker kept on putting one brilliant performance after the other, and eventually helped Frankfurt finish the Bundesliga season in 3rd position to secure Champions League qualification.
The former PSG star finished the season with 15 goals in 33 league games, and he was also named in the 2024–25 Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Liverpool's new poster boy
Ekitike 's exploits at Frankfurt meant the club couldn't keep him for long. Liverpool eventually came with a staggering transfer offer worth up to €95 million, which was accepted by the club. He has been outstanding since his move to Anfield, and has already scored 7 goals and assisted another 2 in just 15 Premier League games. The fact he's able to do this in a struggling Liverpool side is what makes the feat even more impressive.
As things stand, Hugo Ekitike is Liverpool's number 1 striker and star player for the future. The future looks bright for him, and he could very well be their next poster boy after the inevitable departure of club legend Mohamed Salah in this upcoming January or Summer Transfer Window.
Also Read | Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekiteke at Liverpool: Can Arne Slot fit them both in the same side
