Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal in the Community Shield(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

He’s Liverpool’s new £79million centre-forward who may not be their first choice centre-forward by the time the summer transfer window is closed - but Hugo Ekitike made a big impression in his competitive debut for his new club at Wembley on Sunday.

The France Under-21 international, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, didn’t take long in showcasing his quality either, handing Arne Slot’s men the perfect start to their Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, scoring inside four minutes and coming after the pre-match minute's silence to Diogo Jota had been forced to end early.

Ekitike, 23, combined smartly with fellow new boy Florian Wirtz on the edge of the Palace penalty area, drifting in from the left onto his right foot, and firing a fine low effort from 20 yards into the far corner that left Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson grasping at thin air.



It was a strike reminiscent of Ekitike’s last on English soil, for Frankfurt against Spurs in the Europa League last season.

READ MORE:Diogo Jota tribute spoiled and forced to end early before Liverpool vs Crystal PalaceREAD MORE:Liverpool consider transfer exit as £12m forgotten man's new role hits home

“It's a brilliant goal,” said Ally McCoist, speaking on commentary for TNT Sport.

Make no mistake, he’s heard the noise concerning the Reds’ interest in Alexander Isak and this was his response.

“He celebrates by using his hands as mouths,” said Glenn Murray, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“There has been a lot of noise about Alexander Isak but Ekitike is blocking out the noise and is saying 'I'm here!’”

He duly smiled and took the acclaim from his new team-mates, all smiles as he received a pat on the chat from Wirtz, with whom his link up at Wembley was excellent throughout, the two news boys from the Bundesliga very much on the same wavelength throughout.

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates with his new team-mates(Image: 2025 Vince Mignott/MB Media)

Certainly, his 70 minute cameo in London showed that the 6ft 3in forward is going to be a problem for Premier League centre-backs this term, with his blend of pace, smart movement and sheer power.

well Liverpool weren't as threatening, went a little limp in attack and, ultimately, fell to a penalty shootout defeat.

But intrigue remains over Alexander Isak, Liverpool's interest, and just how much they're willing to push Newcastle United this summer in their quest to land the Sweden international.

Learn more

£43

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.


For more news relating to Spurs, visit our sister site Spurs Latest Live.