An eight-year-old Hugo Ekitike is out on the wing for Cormontreuil FC, blissfully unaware that his unique journey to superstardom is about to begin. In just 15 years, the Frenchman will become one of the ten most expensive centre-forwards in history and one of the most talked-about players in the world.
Now 23, Ekitike joined Liverpool this summer for €95 million, making him the club’s third most expensive signing ever, behind fellow summer arrivals Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
The Frenchman has quickly become a fan favourite at Anfield, scoring on his Premier League, EFL Cup, and Community Shield debuts. His silky movement and impressive output have made him beloved by fans and resented by rivals.
But it wasn’t always this way. Ekitike began his career as an undersized winger at Cormontreuil FC. Between the ages of 16 and 21, he transitioned into a central role a decision that has gone on to define his career.
At 11, he joined the academy of his hometown club, Stade de Reims, where he would later sign his first professional contract. After progressing through the ranks, he officially joined Reims’ senior squad in July 2020.
In 2021, seeking regular minutes, the young striker went on loan to Danish side Vejle Boldklub, who were battling relegation a situation that would prove uncharacteristic for the future star.
Upon his return, he became a regular starter under Oscar Garcia at Reims, scoring ten goals and providing four assists in 24 games. His breakout season earned him a big money move to European giants Paris Saint-Germain.
In July 2022, PSG announced the signing of Ekitike on a season-long loan with an option to buy for a reported €35 million. He arrived alongside future Champions League winners Nuno Mendes and Vitinha, in what looked to be a transformative window for the Parisians.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Frenchman struggled to find form or minutes under Luis Enrique and Christophe Galtier, contributing just seven goals and assists combined in 25 appearances during his debut season.
The following six months brought little improvement, and in February 2024, he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt on a six-month loan with an obligation to buy for €16.5 million.
His start in Frankfurt was modest four goals and two assists in 14 league games but he soon began to flourish, transforming from a promising talent into a world-class performer.
At the start of the season, he played as a second striker alongside Omar Marmoush, raising questions about his ability to lead the line. But when Manchester City swooped in for €70 million in January, Ekitike stepped up. He answered the call with authority, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 33 games form that earned him his record-breaking move to Liverpool.
Since arriving at Anfield, the centre forward has shown no signs of slowing down, contributing three goals and one assist in his first six Premier League matches. His performances have been so convincing that he has kept club-record signing Alexander Isak on the bench and earned himself a national team debut for France.
Hugo Ekitike is living proof that development isn’t always linear. A player who went from relegation battles in Denmark, struggles at PSG, stepping back in Germany before rising to become one of the world’s finest forwards.
