Sport Bilder des Tages Ahead of Galatasaray v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 29: Liverpools Hugo Ekitike speaks during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at RAMS Park ahead of the UEFA Champions League group stage week 2 match against Galatasaray in Istanbul, Turkiye, on September 29, 2025. Muhammed Enes Yildirim / Anadolu Istanbul Turkey. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxMuhammedxEnesxYildirimx
Hugo Ektike has had one of the best starts with Liverpool in comparison to Alexander Isak. The Frenchman was brought in as a placeholder when Isak’s departure from Newcastle United looked uncertain.
However, the Swedish striker did sign for the Reds on deadline day. The Merseysiders paid £125m to transfer Isak’s contract from St. James Park.
This raised many questions about Ekitike’s role as the striker. Despite having become the most expensive French striker in history, the Reims native was expected to play an understudy role.
But what people forgot was that Isak had been on a strike in Newcastle. The Swede didn’t play or train with the team since the start of pre-season, and Arne Slot wasn’t gonna risk an injury.
Following that decision, Ekitike has enjoyed more time on the pitch than Isak and has been one of the best players for the Merseyside outfit.
Hugo Ekitike Alexander Isak Liverpool duo potential
It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the Frenchman, though, as the striker picked up a suspension. In the Carabao Cup match against Southampton, Ekitike scored the winner, which he celebrated by taking off his shirt.
Having already picked up a yellow, the 23-year-old was sent off with a red and couldn’t play against Crystal Palace, which the Reds ended up losing.
Ekitike has already apologised for his behaviour, and he also talked about a partnership with his Swedish teammate, Alexander Isak.
“We play at such a big club. They cannot have only one striker, so it is good he is here. I still have a lot of things to improve and learn. That is for the coach to decide who plays; it’s not up to me. I played with two strikers before and one striker, so I can do a lot of things, so if we have to play together, I can do that.”
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
[freshpress-quiz id=”25490″]
Ekitike apologises post suspension
Arne Slot was not happy with the French striker despite his performance. The Dutchman made it clear that his actions were stupid, and the Reims native has taken that into account as he followed it with an apology.
“It wasn’t smart. I felt disappointed to watch the boys from home, but I apologised to everyone already. That kind of thing won’t happen again, so I move on and focus on football.”
The loss against Crystal Palace was the Reds’ second loss of the season, and interestingly, it was against the same club. Now, the Merseysiders travel to Turkey to face Galatasaray to play their second UEFA Champions League game of the season.
About the Author
