There's a worrying Hugo Ekitike trend emerging at Liverpool that fans should be concerned about - opinion

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Hugo Ekitike struggled to impact the game as Liverpool fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray.Ekitike has received high praise since he joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window.He has been the most consistent player from that £450m spend, but the Frenchman has failed to score against most ‘top’ teams since he signed for Liverpool, with Tuesday night’s meeting another example of his struggles in big games. Is it time for Liverpool to move on from Ibrahima Konate?

Would you be too disappointed to see him leave this summer?Credit: Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images Hugo Ekitike’s record against the ‘top’ teams is worryingIn 2025/26, Ekitike has found the back of the net 16 times across all competitions, making him the Merseyside outfit’s top goalscorer.He deserves credit for his finishing ability and has even earned comparisons to Fernando Torres this term.However, he does tend to go missing when Liverpool are in a big match against a top opponent, failing to score or assist against all of the following sides since August 2025.Inter MilanArsenal Manchester City (x2) Real Madrid Aston Villa Manchester United Chelsea Atletico Madrid Galatasaray (x2) Ok, let’s all agree Slot’s done, who you want to see in the dugout next? Credit: Arife Karakum/Anadolu/Anadolu/Getty Images The only ‘big six’ team Ekitike has managed to score against this season is Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League and were most recently hammered by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.Given he is currently Liverpool’s only fit, natural number nine, his lack of goals against top teams is a real worry, especially at this stage of the season.The Reds need to mount a comeback against Galatasaray next week to save their European campaign, but Ekitike has so far failed to score against them and missed a big chance on Tuesday, which Arne Slot commented on post-match, as per LiverpoolFC.com.He said: “I have to give credit to the way they defend as well because they keep on fighting, throwing themselves in front of the balls.

And in that moment when Hugo [Ekitike] went one-v-one, it was the goalkeeper [there] to make a very important save.”After next week’s Champions League clash, Liverpool still have to play top-five rivals Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea in the league, all of whom Ekitike has yet to score against.If that record does not change soon, it’s hard to see the Reds having enough to secure a Champions League place for the 2026/27 season.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox