Although Liverpool remain keen admirers of Alexander Isak, it’s Hugo Ekitike who is being entrusted as the club’s goalscorer-in-chief for now after moving from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee around the £79 million mark, and how the Frenchman is perceived by his new teammates has now been revealed.
With Manchester United and Newcastle United also sniffing around a potential transfer, Arne Slot’s men acted quickly by using their status as Premier League champions to get a deal for the 23-year-old struck before others could pounce on his availability.
Initial training videos have given the Anfield faithful a little taster of what’s to come from their new recruit this season, especially ahead of their Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace this Sunday, but how have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk taken to the Frenchman’s arrival?
How Well Ekitike Has Settled Into Life in England
The report provides insight from both players and coaches at Anfield
Not only are fans excited for Ekitike’s first competitive match in Liverpool colours, but the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have all joined the reigning Premier League champions this summer as they look to compete on all fronts in 2025/26.
On Ekitike, however, a report has stated that Liverpool, on the whole, are more than pleased with how he’s presented himself in his first weeks at the club. For the players, the line-leader’s talent has not come as much as a surprise. TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, said:
“I’m hearing that Ekitike has slotted in so well, like he has been part of the squad for years. He has been dazzling in many regards. I’m told the players are not shocked by his talent, but certainly, some did not really grasp just how good he was.”
From the perspective of the Reds’ coaching staff, it’s understood that they are delighted with the striker, who scored just four goals for Paris Saint-Germain’s senior side before moving to Germany. “Liverpool’s coaches are delighted with him,” the report stated.
As alluded to, where and how often Ekitike is going to play remains to be seen by virtue of the fact that Isak remains on the Merseyside club’s radar. Their first bid for the Swede has been rejected, of course, but the Frenchman’s position could become complicated.
Newcastle are keen to make progress on finding a replacement before allowing Isak, widely regarded as one of world football’s best strikers, to leave. It would also require Liverpool to offer more money than they initially did, reported to be £120 million.
Hugo Ekitike vs Alexander Isak – 24/25 League Stats
Statistic
Appearances
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Shots per game
Dribbles per game
Aerials won per game
Overall rating
Should Reds boss Slot and his entourage place their entire trust in Ekitike for the upcoming seasons, there's every chance he could become the next Isak. He's a lanky yet smooth dribbler of the ball; his finishing is exquisite, and he links well between midfield and attack.
Last campaign alone, the Reims-born centre-forward – who remains uncapped by France’s senior national team – plundered 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, which took his overall goal tally for the German side to 26 in 64 outings.
All statistics per WhoScored – correct as of 04/08/2025