Liverpool FC have officially secured the signing of Hugo Ekitike, the talented French striker, in a deal that marks another bold step in their summer rebuild under new head coach Arne Slot.
The 22-year-old will arrive as a center-forward (#9) but brings far more than just a traditional striker’s skillset. Ekitike is known for his versatility in attack, capable of playing as a lone frontman or as part of a two-man strike force a tactical flexibility that reportedly played a crucial role in Arne Slot’s decision to push for his signing.
Medical & Contract Details
Medical Scheduled: Tuesday
Contract Length: 6 years (until 2031)
Total Deal Value (including add-ons): Estimated at £295 million in total summer spending for the club so far
Wages: Expected to be significantly increased, placing Ekitike among the best-paid young players at Liverpool
Why Ekitike?
With the club undergoing a structural transformation following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, Ekitike represents a new kind of forward for a new Liverpool. He’s:
Quick and direct with the ball
Intelligent in link-up play and positioning
Comfortable drifting wide or dropping deep
Still just 22 with massive untapped potential
Slot reportedly views him as the ideal profile for his fluid attacking system, someone who can stretch defenses, press relentlessly, and evolve into a lethal finisher over time.
Internal Reactions
Sources inside the club describe Ekitike as “a long-term investment who fits the new philosophy”, with leadership confident he’ll grow into a key figure both on and off the pitch. The recruitment team, led by new sporting structure, has been praised for securing him ahead of rival interest from AC Milan and Bundesliga clubs.
Squad Implications
Ekitike’s arrival could impact the futures of Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo, both of whom were used as central strikers last season.
Rodrygo talks are still ongoing, which suggests Liverpool aren’t done in the market especially with Mo Salah’s future uncertain.
The front line is shaping up to be younger, faster, and more interchangeable than ever.
Big Picture: A £295M Statement Window
Liverpool’s summer spending, now nearing £300 million, reflects not just ambition but urgency. With Klopp gone and Slot aiming to establish his identity fast, the club has backed its new manager with aggressive recruitment across all areas.
From midfield to the final third, Liverpool are building for both the present and the future and Hugo Ekitike looks set to be at the heart of it.
The rebuild is in full swing. The message is clear: Liverpool are coming back and they’re coming back hard
