How Liverpool Could Line Up With Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool's relentless pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer appears to be culminating in a significant acquisition, with reports strongly linking the club to Eintracht Frankfurt's highly-rated striker, Hugo Ekitiké. For months, the Reds have been scouting potential number nines, aiming to bolster their frontline depth and provide a fresh dimension to Jürgen Klopp's tactical arsenal. The imminent arrival of the young Frenchman promises to do just that, offering a tantalizing prospect for how the Merseyside giants might evolve their attacking setup in the upcoming season.

Ekitiké, at just 22 years old, represents the archetypal modern striker – a blend of power, pace, and predatory instinct. Standing tall at 6'3", he possesses excellent aerial ability, making him a genuine threat from crosses and set-pieces, an area Liverpool has sometimes lacked a consistent presence in. Beyond his physical attributes, his intelligent movement off the ball, knack for finding space in congested penalty areas, and surprisingly delicate touch for a player of his build are what truly set him apart. His time in the Bundesliga, following a breakthrough spell at Reims in Ligue 1, has seen him refine his finishing and develop his link-up play, making him more than just a poacher. He’s comfortable dropping deep to facilitate play, running channels, or leading the line as a target man, traits that will undoubtedly appeal to Klopp's high-intensity, fluid system.

The most immediate question is how Ekitiké fits into Liverpool's established 4-3-3 formation. He is a natural central striker, which immediately places him in direct competition with Darwin Núñez. However, rather than a simple substitution, his arrival could unlock new tactical variations. Ekitiké could operate as the primary number nine, allowing Núñez to potentially shift to a wider role on the left, where his explosive pace and directness can be devastating without the constant pressure of leading the line as a traditional striker. Alternatively, Ekitiké could provide a more direct, physically imposing option through the middle, especially against teams that sit deep, using his strength and aerial prowess to break down stubborn defenses. His presence would also offer valuable rotation for Cody Gakpo, who has often deputized in the central attacking role, ensuring fresh legs across a demanding schedule.