Hugo Ekitike is a 23-year-old French forward who currently plays as a striker for Liverpool FC, having joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2025 for a fee of £69 million rising to £79 million.As of January 20, 2026, Ekitike has firmly established himself as the focal point of Arne Slot’s attack, currently leading the team’s scoring charts for the 2025/26 season. After a brief scare with a hamstring injury in early January that saw him miss a goalless draw against Arsenal, Ekitike made a triumphant return to the starting XI on January 17, 2026, in a Premier League clash against Burnley.With fellow striker Alexander Isak sidelined with a long-term leg injury and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ekitike’s role has become vital to Liverpool’s title aspirations. This comprehensive guide covers his high-profile transfer, his tactical “Roberto Firmino-esque” style, and his record-breaking 2025/26 campaign at Anfield.
The 2025 Summer Transfer Saga
In one of the most significant moves of the 2025 summer window, Liverpool won the race for Hugo Ekitike on July 21, 2025.The deal was struck with Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million, making him one of the most expensive strikers in Liverpool’s history.
Initially, Liverpool had focused their attention on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but when those negotiations stalled, the club pivoted to Ekitike.The Frenchman had just completed a stellar season in the Bundesliga, where he netted 22 goals. He signed a long-term contract at Anfield until June 2031, signaling the club’s long-term commitment to a “post-Klopp” era led by Arne Slot.
Tactical Fit: The “Modern Firmino”
Under Arne Slot in 2026, Hugo Ekitike has been deployed as a “facilitating number nine.” Standing at 6’3″ (190 cm), his height provides an aerial threat, but it is his technical ability and work rate that have drawn comparisons to Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino.
Unlike traditional poachers, Ekitike often drops deep into the “half-spaces” to link play with midfielders like Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister. His ability to create chances while maintaining a high conversion rate—recorded at 17.8% in the 2025/26 Premier League season—has made him the perfect spearhead for a Liverpool team that focuses on patient build-up and high technical security.
2025/26 Performance and Records
As of mid-January 2026, Hugo Ekitike is enjoying a true “breakthrough” year in English football. He has become the first Liverpool player since Kenny Dalglish to match specific goalscoring milestones within his first 20 league appearances for the club.
Injury Management and Workload
The primary concern for Ekitike in early 2026 has been his physical adaptation to the intense Premier League schedule.In January 2026, Arne Slot revealed that Ekitike had been suffering from DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and a slight hamstring complaint.
This was attributed to Ekitike playing over 1,600 minutes by the mid-point of the season—more than he had ever played in a single French season. Slot has emphasized the need for careful rotation, especially with the Champions League knockouts approaching. With Alexander Isak expected to be out until late February, Ekitike remains the only recognized fit senior striker for the Reds, making his fitness the most watched storyline in Liverpool’s 2026 campaign.
Practical Information for Fans
How to Watch Hugo Ekitike
- Stadium: Anfield, Anfield Rd, Liverpool L4 0TH.
- Matchday Tickets: Available via the official LFC website; category A games (Man City, Arsenal) often require high member credits.
- Official Shirt: Ekitike wears the Number 22 jersey. Fans can purchase the 2025/26 kit at the Anfield Store or the Liverpool ONE official shop.
Travel and Training
The best place to see Ekitike in training is the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. While sessions are private, the player is known for being accessible to fans at the gates following mid-week sessions. Fans traveling from France can fly directly from Paris CDG to Liverpool John Lennon Airport via easyJet for a convenient matchday experience.
The Wirtz-Ekitike “Telepathy”
The most significant development in Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign has been the blossoming relationship between Hugo Ekitike and fellow Bundesliga import Florian Wirtz. On January 12, 2026, the duo made history during a 4-1 FA Cup victory over Barnsley by becoming the first pair of substitutes in Liverpool’s recorded history to both assist each other in the same match.
Partnership Highlights:
- “Football Language”: In a post-match interview on January 17, Ekitike stated that he and Wirtz “speak the same language of football,” a sentiment backed by their combined five goal involvements in just the last three appearances together.
- Complementary Styles: Wirtz’s diminutive, creative nature perfectly offsets Ekitike’s “leggy but graceful” 1.90m frame, creating a “little-and-large” dynamic that has drawn early comparisons to the legendary Dalglish-Rush era.
- Community Shield Origins: Their connection was evident as early as August 2025, when Wirtz provided the assist for Ekitike’s first official Liverpool goal at Wembley.
Ekitike has proven to be the more “complete” outlet for Slot’s pressing system. His superior aerial ability and willingness to drop into a “False 9″ role to accommodate Mohamed Salah have made him indispensable during Isak’s recent injury-plagued months. In 2026, the question is no longer who is better, but whether Slot can eventually find a way to field both 6’3” strikers in a “Twin Towers” formation.
Road to the 2026 World Cup
On the international stage, Ekitike’s form at Anfield has forced him into Didier Deschamps’ plans for France. After earning his first senior cap in September 2025, he has quickly amassed 6 caps and 1 goal, notably providing an instant spark alongside Kylian Mbappé.
The “Giroud Successor”
Former French international Louis Saha and legend Olivier Giroud have both identified Ekitike as the natural heir to the “target man” role in the national team. His performance in a 4-0 qualifier win over Ukraine on November 13, 2025, where he scored a stunning solo goal, secured France’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. As of January 2026, he is considered a “lock” for the squad traveling to North America this summer.
Liverpool’s “Regen” Strategy
In a fascinating turn of events, Liverpool’s academy has already begun developing a player dubbed “Ekitike’s Regen”—Sonni-Lambie. In January 2026, youth scouts noted that the young forward, who shares Ekitike’s 1.90m height and graceful dribbling style, is being fast-tracked through the U21s. This reflects a broader club strategy under Richard Hughes to ensure that Ekitike’s unique tactical profile remains a staple of the Liverpool system for the next decade.
Practical Information: 2026 Matchday Experience
The “Ekitike Chant”
Fans at Anfield have adapted a popular French melody to celebrate Ekitike. The chant usually begins in the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and ripples through the Kop whenever he makes one of his signature progressive carries.
2026 Merchandise and Appearances
- Autographs: Ekitike is a frequent visitor to the LFC Foundation “Red Neighbours” events in Anfield.
- The #22 Shirt: Following his Player of the Month award in December 2025, the #22 jersey became the second most-printed shirt in the club shop, trailing only Mohamed Salah.
- Official App: Fans can track Ekitike’s “Heat Map” in real-time via the LFC Official App, which in 2026 features augmented reality (AR) stats for every home game.
FAQs
What makes Ekitike and Wirtz so effective together?
Their success is built on a “little-and-large” dynamic; Ekitike’s height and hold-up play create space for Wirtz’s elite vision and through-balls.
Did Ekitike score in the 2026 FA Cup?
Yes, he scored as a substitute in the 4-1 win over Barnsley on January 12, 2026.
Who is Ekitike’s “regen” at Liverpool?
The academy standout Sonni-Lambie has been frequently compared to Ekitike due to his similar height and technical flair.
How many caps does Ekitike have for France?
As of January 20, 2026, he has earned 6 senior caps.
What was Ekitike’s top speed at Liverpool?
He was clocked at 34.89 km/h during a 2025/26 Champions League fixture.
Is Ekitike better than Darwin Nunez?
Statistically, Ekitike offers higher technical security and a better defensive work rate, leading to his more consistent selection under Arne Slot.
What is his market value in 2026?
Following his stellar form, his estimated value has risen to approximately €82 million (£70m).
When did he score his first goal for France?
He scored his first senior goal on November 13, 2025, in a 4-0 win against Ukraine.
Which foot does he prefer?
Ekitike is right-footed, but he has scored three goals with his left foot in the 2025/26 season.
Can he play on the wing?
While primarily a striker, Slot has occasionally used him on the left wing to allow Alexander Isak to play centrally.
How much did Hugo Ekitike cost Liverpool?
Liverpool paid an initial £69 million (€80m) in July 2025, with potential add-ons taking the deal to £79 million.
What is Hugo Ekitike’s jersey number?
He wears the number 22 for Liverpool.
Is Hugo Ekitike injured right now?
As of January 20, 2026, he has returned to fitness and started the recent match against Burnley after a brief hamstring issue.
Who did Ekitike play for before Liverpool?
He played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Paris Saint-Germain, and his hometown club Reims.
What is his contract length?
Ekitike is signed to Liverpool until June 30, 2031.
How many goals has he scored in the 2025/26 season?
He has scored 12 goals across all competitions as of January 20, 2026.
Does he play for the France national team?
Yes, he made his senior debut for France in late 2025 and has scored 1 goal in 6 appearances.
How tall is Hugo Ekitike?
He is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall.
Is he considered a replacement for Darwin Nunez?
While they are different stylistically, Ekitike’s arrival in 2025 coincided with a tactical shift away from Nunez’s style toward a more technical false-nine role.
What is his top speed?
He was clocked at 34.89 km/h during the 2025/26 Champions League group stage.
To read more , click here