Liverpool duo Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike played together for the first time in the Premier League champions' friendly win over Athletic Bilbao on Monday night
Mark Jones Sports Features Editor and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
13:01, 05 Aug 2025
Florian Wirtz has settled in quickly at Liverpool
Florian Wirtz has showed his true colours(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz is thrilled to have former Bundesliga rival Hugo Ekitike on his side, having closely followed the striker's impressive run at Frankfurt.
Ekitike, who cost an initial £69m, is currently Liverpool's second priciest signing this summer after Wirtz. Both players made their Anfield debut against Athletic Bilbao on Monday night.
While ex-Bayer Leverkusen ace Wirtz wowed the home crowd with his slick skills, Ekitike got them cheering with his powerful runs and strength, notably assisting Mo Salah's first-half goal.
With a tally of 22 goals in 48 matches for Frankfurt last season, Ekitike is expected to shine at Anfield, despite the potential signing of fellow striker Alexander Isak.
"He's a really good player," Wirtz praised. "I enjoyed watching him at Frankfurt and I was really happy that he decided to come to us.", reports the Mirror.
Florian Wirtz has no qualms over his price tag
Florian Wirtz played alongside Hugo Ekitike on Monday(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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"In the training sessions things already went well, and also in the game we had some combinations that were good. So yeah, I'm really happy that I can play with him."
In addition to Ekitike, Wirtz envisions his role at his new club as being a provider for his team-mates as the Reds aim for consecutive Premier League titles.
"Of course, the big challenge is to take the title again, and that is the most difficult thing," he admitted.
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - JULY 30: Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool looks on during the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE World Challenge 2025 presented by The Nippon Foundation match between Yokohama F•Marinos and Liverpool at Nissan Stadium on July 30, 2025 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike is another summer signing(Image: Koji Watanabe, Getty Images)
"But I just try to create chances, and also work against the ball because I can also run a lot.
"So I'll try to bring this in the team, and then with the ball, I hope I can make the team better by bringing my team-mates into better situations."
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Liverpool - who were without Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for the Bilbao games - are set to take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.
They will then kick off their Premier League title defence at home against Bournemouth the following Friday.