Liverpool’s £80m Target Hugo Ekitike Once Got Scared… By a Mascot?!
As Liverpool fans eagerly await the possible arrival of Hugo Ekitike — one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers — a hilarious old clip has resurfaced online, reminding everyone that even top-tier footballers have their offbeat moments.
In the viral video, Ekitike is seen walking onto the pitch when his club’s mascot suddenly approaches from the side. But instead of a handshake or a high-five, the French striker jumps back in genuine fear, startled by the oversized costume. His teammates burst into laughter, and Ekitike himself couldn’t help but laugh along, clearly embarrassed but taking it all in good spirits.
The footage quickly became meme-worthy gold, with fans joking that “if mascots scare him, imagine what Virgil van Dijk will do in training!” Others teased that Anfield might need to do a mascot audit — “just to make sure there are no unexpected encounters with birds, especially eagles.”
But behind the laughs, this light-hearted moment has only made fans love the 22-year-old more. It shows his youthful personality, humility, and charm — qualities that could make him an instant fan favorite on Merseyside.
If the deal goes through, Liverpool won’t just be signing a talented forward — they’ll also be getting someone who brings a bit of humor and human touch to the dressing room. Let’s just hope Mighty Red, Liverpool’s bird mascot, doesn’t make any surprise appearances during his unveiling!