Liverpool’s rising star Hugo Ekitike is buzzing about the club’s massive signing of Alexander Isak, seeing the fierce competition in the squad as an thrilling push to shine brighter. The French forward, who joined the Premier League champions this summer, has hit the ground running with three goals in his first four games at Anfield.
Isak’s blockbuster move from Newcastle United set a British record at 125 million pounds, making him Liverpool’s priciest acquisition ever. Ekitike ranks as the third-most expensive summer buy, coming in after Isak and German midfielder Florian Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for 100 million pounds plus add-ons. This high-stakes transfer window has loaded Liverpool’s attack with top talent, sparking excitement among fans and players alike.
Chatting with reporters on Sunday, the 22-year-old Ekitike didn’t shy away from the rivalry Isak brings. “Playing for the top teams means you battle the world’s best,” he said. “I used to watch Isak play, so having him here feels awesome. It’ll be tough, but I’ll grind hard to perform and let the coach figure out the lineup.”
Ekitike earned his spot at Liverpool after a stellar 2024-25 season with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he netted 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches. That form sealed his big-money transfer to the reigning Premier League winners, and he’s already proving his worth.
Looking ahead, Ekitike waits to hear if he’ll snag his first senior start for France in Tuesday’s match against Iceland. Back at club level, he’s open to adapting his role if more forwards join. He even floated playing on the left flank, though Cody Gakpo currently owns that spot, starting all four of Liverpool’s games this season with one goal and two assists.
In a chat with French media, Ekitike embraced the intense spotlight of starring for Liverpool. “My life has totally changed—everyone watches me a thousand times more now,” he shared. “But I’m loving it; this is exactly where I want to be. With this level of pressure, you have to prove you belong and keep delivering. I thrive on it and plan to stick around.”
As Liverpool gears up for another title defense, Ekitike’s enthusiasm hints at an explosive season ahead for the team’s forward line. Fans can’t wait to see how this dynamic duo of Ekitike and Isak shakes up the Premier League.
