I Have an Unpopular Opinion About Hugo Ekitike Which Liverpool Fans Will All Soon Realise - Opinion

Hugo Ekitike's £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool has shattered the club's infamous "transfer curse," delivering performances that previous high-profile departures could only dream of, argues this piece[2][1]. Signed in a blockbuster deal—€95m total, making him Frankfurt's record sale alongside Randal Kolo Muani—Ekitike has silenced doubters with 11 goals already this season, including breaking Mohamed Salah's Anfield record for the fastest player to reach 10 goals[2].

Unlike Frankfurt's past expensive exits, who flopped post-departure, the 23-year-old Frenchman has thrived under Arne Slot. After a strong start and brief dip, Ekitike exploded in December, outshining Alexander Isak amid the Swedish striker's injury. Slot praises his improved fitness, intense running, and defensive work rate, blending explosive pace, technical finesse, and lethal finishing[2]. He's now Liverpool's undisputed No. 9, forming promising partnerships like with Florian Wirtz[3].

The article highlights a controversial moment in Liverpool's New Year's Day 0-0 draw vs. Leeds United, where Ekitike was hauled down in the box but stayed upright, passing to Wirtz instead. Slot vented frustration to Sky Sports: "There was an obvious moment... we didn't go to the floor... every time we go to the floor we never get a penalty."[3][4] He contrasted Liverpool's integrity with rivals' antics, refusing to coach diving despite repeated non-calls[3][4].

The unpopular opinion? Liverpool fans, initially skeptical of the fee after Newcastle's rejected £70m bid, will soon hail Ekitike as a bargain. He's not just succeeding—he's elevating Slot's attack, proving the "transferfluch" (transfer curse) is history. As Slot demands more killer instinct from his forwards, Ekitike's form suggests title glory awaits[1][2][4].

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