Liverpool’s new number nine, Hugo Ekitike, didn’t just stroll onto the Premier League stage—he practically kicked the door down. On a sweltering Saturday at Anfield, the French forward announced himself with a debut goal in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, but what truly sealed his place in the Kop’s heart wasn’t just the finish. It was the moment he raised his hands to honor Diogo Jota’s number 20—an elegant gesture for a fallen teammate that said more than any press conference ever could.
Hugo Ekitike channels both power and poetry
For all the hype of a £70 million signing, most debutants buckle under Anfield’s weight. Not Ekitike. Linking beautifully with Alexis Mac Allister, he ghosted into the box and finished with the calmness of a veteran. Then, for good measure, he added an assist for Cody Gakpo. Bournemouth’s defenders looked like they were chasing shadows—one of those shadows happened to be 6’2” and French with a wicked sense of timing.
Hugo Ekitike thrives amid Liverpool’s churn
This summer wasn’t exactly calm on Merseyside. Trent Alexander-Arnold packed for Spain, Darwin Nunez for Italy, Luis Díaz for PSG. Arne Slot’s first XI looked more like a reboot than a continuation. Yet Ekitike stole the script, reminding fans that sometimes upheaval births opportunity. Sure, Liverpool’s defense still leaked goals like a dodgy faucet, but the new striker brought hope that goals will come just as freely.
Author’s take: Isak who?
Liverpool are still sniffing around Alexander Isak, but here’s the thing—when you’ve already got a striker who scores, assists, and throws in a heart-tugging tribute, why invite unnecessary drama? Ekitike has that rare blend of flair and humility, the kind that doesn’t just win matches, but knits a club together. Slot may already have his man.Best wishes to Hugo.
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