Liverpool take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with summer arrival Hugo Ekitike set to go up against his former club
Hugo Ekitike during Liverpool training
Hugo Ekitike has made little attempt to hide his feelings about former club Frankfurt
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Hugo Ekitike was spotted wearing an Eintracht Frankfurt training top ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with the Bundesliga side. The French forward joined the Reds from Frankfurt in the summer for a £69million fee (potentially rising to £79m) - but it seems his affection for his former club hasn't faded just yet.
In a clip shared on social media last week, the 23-year-old was seen donning Frankfurt gear during a shooting drill while on international duty with France. Ekitike may have spent less than two years in Germany but the club clearly still holds a special place in his heart.
He joined Frankfurt from PSG in February 2024, initially on loan, before making the move permanent that summer. The forward went on to score 22 goals in his first and only full season at Deutsche Bank Park, performances that earned him a big-money transfer to Liverpool.
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After completing his move to Anfield, Ekitike shared a heartfelt message on social media, describing his bond with Frankfurt as "true love" and saying the club was "engraved" in him. He even wished his former side well in the Champions League - adding with a wink, "unless you face me."
"It's crazy how quickly time flies but leaves us indelible traces and memories," Ekitike wrote on Instagram. "I haven't forgotten anything since my first day among you.
"The truth is it's here that I learned love - true love. First the love of the most incredible fans ever (thank you for your love your warmth and your support, thank you for celebrated me as one of yours every time, I never felt like a stranger among you). Then the love of the entire club from top to bottom.
"You have each been at one time a shoulder or an ear for me. I grew up with you and I owe you for continuing to be what I have become among you and hold your values high... We never really leave those we love, even far from Deutsche Bank Park, I will fulfil my new role, being the first supporter of this club that I love."
He added: "Wish you guys well in the Champions League (unless you face me)."
Ekitike is expected to feature against his former club on Wednesday, having only been used from the bench in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. The Frenchman made a blistering start to life on Merseyside but his form has dipped slightly in recent weeks.
Hugo Ekitike celebrating a goal for Frankfurt
Ekitike scored 26 goals in 64 games at Frankfurt
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He started seven of Liverpool's first eight games of the season, registering five goals and an assist. However, in recent matches he has found himself taking a backseat to fellow summer signing Alexander Isak, who appears to have established himself as Arne Slot's preferred No. 9.
Since scoring what proved to be the winner against Everton a month ago, Ekitike has been limited to just 44 minutes of Premier League football. He's made brief substitute appearances in defeats to both Chelsea and Manchester United but has struggled to make an impact.
That lack of game time comes despite Isak's modest form. The Swedish striker has yet to find the net in four league outings and has scored only once in seven appearances in all competitions - the opener in a 2-1 victory over Championship side Southampton.
Hugo Ekitike on the bench
After a blistering start at Liverpool, Ekitike has had to settle for more reduced role
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In that same match, Ekitike came off the bench to net a dramatic late winner, only to be sent off moments later after receiving a second yellow card for removing his shirt during the celebration.
After a dismal run of form that has seen Liverpool lose four consecutive games in all competitions, the Premier League champions will be desperate to turn things around against Frankfurt. Ekitike, back on familiar turf, will no doubt be eager to make an impression - and a standout performance could not only help spark a Liverpool revival, but also help him re-establish himself in Slot's first-team plans.