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Lionel Messi gave Hugo Ekitike an apt nickname at PSG(Image: Getty Images)

At just 23 years old, Hugo Ekitike already holds the impressive distinction of having shared the pitch with some of the sport's biggest names - a trend set to continue at Liverpool.

The Premier League champions then moved swiftly to agree a transfer, which, once completed, will push the club's summer spending to just under the £300m mark.

Ekitike, who will become Liverpool's second-most expensive striker in history behind Darwin Nunez, is expected to sign a six-year contract at Anfield.

The Frenchman found the back of the net 22 times and tallied 12 assists in 48 matches across all competitions last season, after making his move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Bundesliga permanent just one year ago.

It was during his spell in the French capital that Ekitike lined up beside some of the sport's most elite talent, including Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, even gave Ekitike a nickname during their stint together - calling him "the iron rod." According to Get Football News France, the moniker was a nod to Ekitike's slim yet atheltic build - with the 6ft 3in striker towering over the 5ft 7in Messi - and how he could make sudden bursts of acceleration to leave his team-mates surprised.

Article continues belowHugo Ekitike is set to lead the line for Liverpool next season(Image: Getty Images)

That tells Arne Slot all he needs to know about his latest signing, who will be tasked with making runs for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to find, while also offering a focal point in attack that they can build off of.

Injuries hindered Ekitike's progress at PSG, leading the forward to enlist a personal trainer and physiotherapist to help him build the strength necessary for elite-level football.

Marinos on July 30.

Afterwards, Liverpool will return home for back-to-back friendlies at Anfield against Athletic Bilbao on August 4, before heading to Wembley to meet Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10.

Messi and Ekitike spent a year together at PSG(Image: Getty Images)

Ekitike's arrival signals a major statement of intent from Liverpool.

The Reds barely spent a penny on players last season, but have added Florian Wirtz - for a potential British transfer record £116.5m fee - Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was signed last season but initially loaned back to Valencia, to their squad.

The 2025/26 season already marks the most expensive campaign in Liverpool's history.

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