Liverpool's latest signing, Hugo Ekitike, made his debut for the Reds amid high expectations following a £69 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, with potential add-ons raising the fee to £79 million. The 23-year-old French striker, who impressed in the Bundesliga by scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances last season and earning a spot in the Team of the Season, has officially joined Liverpool's pre-season tour in Asia, signaling a significant addition to their attacking options ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Journalists and insiders reveal that Liverpool had been pursuing Ekitike for several years, tracking him since his time at Reims in 2021/22. He has long been their primary target despite interest from other Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle. His move reflects Liverpool’s careful, long-term squad planning rather than an opportunistic transfer. The club's manager, Arne Slot, emphasized Ekitike’s potential and hunger to develop further, expecting him to add a different dimension to the front line.

Following his arrival, Ekitike participated in training sessions alongside key Liverpool players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Clips from pre-season training in Japan showcased Ekitike scoring three goals with assists from teammates including Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Salah, which has already sparked positive reactions from fans impressed by his finishing skills. His signing comes amid speculation that Darwin Núñez, Liverpool’s previous main striker, might leave this summer, making Ekitike a key figure in reshaping Liverpool's attack for the upcoming season.
Overall, Ekitike's acquisition highlights the club’s continued investment in talent following last season’s Premier League title under Slot’s management, aiming to strengthen Liverpool’s chances domestically and in Europe by adding firepower and versatility up front.