This Champions League quarter-final will be massive for Liverpool, and especially for former PSG player Hugo Ekitike.
The Frenchman’s meteoric rise at Liverpool has been something to witness, but it took him a while to find his feet at the highest level. He left PSG in 2024 after two years on the books, where he struggled to break into the first-team picture and was out on loan for most of that time.
Ekitike should play a key role against PSG — he has a point to prove against his old club. The £69 million signing should start with an aim to haunt his old side, but former teammate Vitinha hopes he will fail at that task.
For a place in the final with Xabi Alonso 👀Who gets the nod?
Slot or Klopp?
Arne Slot vs Jurgen Klopp
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Vitinha discusses Hugo Ekitike’s PSG spell and his hope for Liverpool clash
You might recall Vitinha being a bit-part player at Wolves back in 2020. He has evolved into one of the best midfielders in Europe, even finishing third in the Ballon d’Or voting after a historic 2025/26 campaign.
He was the player chosen to address the media ahead of Wednesday night’s clash, and he was asked about Liverpool’s star striker.
As per RMC Sport, he said: “He’s a fantastic guy, I really enjoyed the year with him. He has a lot of qualities but unfortunately, it wasn’t the right context for him; he turned things around in his favour.”
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg against Galatasaray at Anfield.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
The respect is there, but these are competitors of the highest level. Vitinha has but one focus — winning.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
He concluded: “We hope he’s not feeling well tomorrow, but I wish him all the best… except for these two matches.”
Alexander Isak should be available against PSG, but it would be a surprise to see him thrown back into the starting XI this soon. It looks more likely that Ekitike will lead the line and hopefully not grant the Portugal star his wish.
Luis Enrique on Hugo Ekitike
Vitinha wasn’t the only one talking about Ekitike in Tuesday’s press conference. Manager Luis Enrique was also asked about him.
He was less willing to cast too much attention on a rival player, but nonetheless acknowledged the progress the Frenchman has made.
He said: “”Normally, I don’t talk about players other than those from PSG. After leaving here, he was very good in Germany and at Liverpool. He is now an international player, he has progressed a lot.
“He was very young when he was here, he has improved a lot. But this is not the time to talk about Liverpool players.”
Would any Liverpool players realistically get into PSG’s starting XI?
Surely we've got no chance against them 😣
PSG players celebrate after scoring during the Ligue 1 match against Toulouse at the Parc des Princes (Credit: Getty Images/Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images
Ekitike was at PSG at a time when Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi were the obstacles to him becoming a starter. As is often the case in football, it was all about timing.
Let’s see what kind of impact he can have on this crucial Champions League road trip.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox