Hugo Ekitike is set to face his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, in a Champions League clash on Wednesday, marking a poignant return for the Liverpool striker. The match comes at a time when Frankfurt is struggling to find consistency, presenting an opportunity for Ekitike to shine against a familiar foe.
Ekitike's departure from Frankfurt to Liverpool in July 2025 for a reported £69 million marked the latest in a series of high-profile sales by the Bundesliga club. Since 2020, Frankfurt has generated a combined 418 million euros from selling talents like Ekitike, Omar Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller, and Willian Pacho. While Frankfurt's scouting network has consistently identified promising players, the constant turnover of key personnel has often led to periods of rebuilding and inconsistency.
Last season, Ekitike was a central figure in Frankfurt's attack, especially following Marmoush's move to Manchester City. He contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, playing a vital role in Frankfurt's third-place Bundesliga finish and Champions League qualification – their best result since the 1992-93 season. In total, Ekitike registered 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances for Frankfurt. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024-25.
However, since the start of the current campaign, Frankfurt has struggled, winning only one of their last five games in all competitions. Their defense has been particularly vulnerable, conceding 18 goals in those five games. Sporting director Timmo Hardung suggests that facing Liverpool could be the catalyst to reignite Frankfurt's season.
Liverpool, despite their own challenges, will be looking to exploit Frankfurt's defensive frailties. The Reds have been on a four-game losing streak, and several of their new signings are yet to find their feet. Florian Wirtz, another summer arrival, is yet to score or assist in either the Premier League or Champions League. Alexander Isak, while deadly for Newcastle, is also struggling to replicate his best form for Liverpool.
One of Liverpool's new recruits who has impressed is Ekitike. The 23-year-old has already scored five goals in 11 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool. Ekitike's quick adaptation to the Premier League has even kept Alexander Isak out of the starting lineup.
Ekitike's transfer to Liverpool was finalized on July 23, 2025, with the club paying an initial €80 million, potentially rising to €95 million with add-ons. This fee makes him the second most expensive signing in Liverpool's history and the most expensive striker, surpassing Darwin Núñez. Ekitike has signed a six-year contract that will keep him at Liverpool until the end of the 2030-31 season. He wears the Liverpool jersey and has quickly formed a bond with teammates, including Mohamed Salah.
Ekitike began his professional career with Stade de Reims, later playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Eintracht Frankfurt. His move to Frankfurt was initially a loan in February 2024, which was later made permanent. After a successful season, Liverpool secured his services amidst interest from other clubs, including Newcastle United.
