Hugo Ekitike's journey to Liverpool FC has been marked by high expectations, with many drawing comparisons to some of football's attacking elite, most notably Erling Haaland. The young Frenchman, now 23, is determined to justify the hype and carve out his own legacy in the Premier League.

Ekitike's early career showed immense promise. He progressed rapidly through the youth ranks at Stade de Reims, earning his first professional contract in 2020 and debuting in Ligue 1 shortly after. A loan spell at Vejle Boldklub in Denmark provided valuable first-team experience before he returned to Reims and began to shine, scoring 10 goals in the 2021-22 season. This breakout season led to a move to Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan, and then a permanent deal worth €28 million.

However, Ekitike struggled to find consistent playing time in PSG's star-studded lineup, which included Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar. Despite making 33 appearances, he failed to make a significant impact, leading to a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024.

At Frankfurt, Ekitike experienced a career revival. He became a focal point of the attack, scoring 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches and earning a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024-25. His performances caught the attention of Liverpool, who signed him for a reported fee of €80 million (£69 million) in July 2025.

Liverpool's decision to invest heavily in Ekitike was driven by data analysis that revealed striking similarities to Mbappé and Haaland at comparable ages. Despite some criticism of his finishing record, Liverpool's research director, Will Spearman, was convinced by the underlying data, which suggested Ekitike possessed immense potential.

Ekitike's strengths lie in his versatility, technical ability, and intelligent movement. He is capable of playing as a lone striker or alongside a partner, and his 6'3" frame is complemented by surprising agility and speed. He excels at dribbling, creating chances, and linking up with teammates. He is also dangerous on the counterattack, using his pace and skill to drive forward and create opportunities.

However, there are areas where Ekitike can improve. One area of improvement is his finishing. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, he scored only 15 goals, despite recording 21.09 xG. Also, despite his height, Ekitike relies more on technique rather than physicality.

Since joining Liverpool, Ekitike has shown promising signs. He scored in the Community Shield and has already registered Premier League goals against Bournemouth and Liverpool. Manager Arne Slot believes he can elevate Ekitike to the next level, drawing parallels with players like Philippe Coutinho and Ryan Gravenberch who revitalized their careers after difficult spells elsewhere.

While comparisons to Haaland may seem premature, Ekitike possesses the raw talent and potential to become a world-class striker. His journey to the top will depend on his ability to refine his finishing, maximize his physical attributes, and continue to develop his all-around game. If he can do that, he has the potential to join the ranks of the attacking elite.