Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window in a deal worth up to £79m
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike has scored six goals for Liverpool so far(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has explained why he believes their transfer business led to Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike. The Reds signed the France international from the Bundesliga outfit during the summer transfer window.
Ekitike arrived as one of eight new signings at Liverpool in the summer in a deal worth up to £79million with add-ons. The 23-year-old has since gone on to score six goals for the Reds following his move to Anfield, but has yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League since September 20.
Liverpool were not the only club linked with signing Ekitike during the summer, with Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea mentioned as potential destinations. In the end, the Reds won the race to sign the France international who will be determined to return to scoring form when the Premier League returns this weekend.
Before Ekitike signed for Liverpool, he formed an impressive partnership at Frankfurt with Omar Marmoush. The Egypt international went on to sign for Manchester City back in January, and Krosche believes it was that deal which enabled Ekitike to showcase his abilities that earned him his move to Liverpool.
"There are times when you have to sign players from the outside, but we need to prepare our squad with the anticipation that people will leave — but that when they do, that will create opportunities for others to grow," said Krosche in an interview with The Athletic.
“With his speed and one-on-one ability, Bahoya replaced part of what Marmoush had given us. But it also allowed Hugo Ekitike to grow. Before he left, Omar was the key player and he used all the attacking space.
“When we sold him, Ekitike grew into those areas and became the key player himself.
“We sold Kolo Muani. Omar got the playing time. That’s the reason he plays for Manchester City. But Hugo is at Liverpool now because we sold Omar in the winter.
“Sometimes it’s like this. Every situation impacts a squad differently. But if you balance your squad well, give the players your trust, then you can have the courage to let them go.”
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