Tag: Hugo Ekitike

Konate’s nightmare at Elland Road piles pressure on Liverpool defence

Ibrahima Konate
December 2025

Liverpool twice surrendered the lead in a chaotic 3-3 draw at Leeds, with Ibrahima Konate involved in two goals conceded. Hugo Ekitike’s quickfire brace and a late Dominik Szoboszlai strike were not enough to secure three points in a fragile title defence. Konate conceded a penalty by clumsily bringing down Wilfried Gnonto, then backed off Anton Stach for Leeds’ second before ducking under a late corner that Ao Tanaka buried in stoppage time. Arne Slot admitted the centre-back has been “a bit too much at the crime scene” this season.

Arne Slot delivers rare injury boost for Wirtz, Alisson and Ekitike

Arne Slot
November 2025

Under-pressure Liverpool manager Arne Slot has finally offered some encouragement, revealing that Florian Wirtz, Alisson and Hugo Ekitike are all progressing in their recoveries ahead of a crucial Premier League trip to West Ham after a disastrous run of nine defeats in 12 matches. Wirtz missed the PSV loss after an international injury, Alisson withdrew through illness and Ekitike limped off with a back problem, exposing Liverpool’s fragility. Slot now hopes to have at least some of the trio available as he fights to stabilise results and confidence.

Slot “almost confused” by Liverpool’s league collapse

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
November 2025

Arne Slot admitted he is “almost confused” by Liverpool’s disastrous Premier League run, with the defending champions losing six of their last seven league games and sitting in the bottom half despite heavy summer investment and three wins from four in a strong Champions League campaign. Pointing to big-money arrivals such as Isak, Wirtz, Ekitike, Kerkez and Frimpong, Slot insisted the squad has enough quality and noted recent European victories over Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt. However, he conceded that “far too many games” have been lost domestically and that he has yet to “find a winning way” in the league.

Liverpool thrashed by PSV as Ekitike injury deepens crisis

Liverpool
November 2025

Liverpool’s season hit a new low with a 4-1 home defeat to PSV, marking nine losses in their last 12 games and dragging them down to 13th in the Champions League standings. Goals from Ivan Perisic, Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech brace exposed a fragile, disjointed defence. Slot’s rotated side never settled, and the night worsened when in-form summer signing Hugo Ekitike limped off just after the hour, forcing the underperforming Alexander Isak into another goalless appearance. The Sweden striker’s ongoing drought and the team’s collapsing form will intensify scrutiny on Slot’s selections and ability to halt the slide.

Ekitike Slammed for ‘Dumb’ Red Card Despite Winner

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
September 2025

Hugo Ekitike scored a late winner in Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, only to get sent off for removing his shirt in celebration. Critics branded his act “dumb,” especially with £125m rival Alexander Isak waiting in the wings. Already on a yellow, Ekitike’s dismissal hands Isak a chance to reclaim the starting striker role after his own debut goal. Despite five goals in eight games, Ekitike’s rashness will cost him a one-match ban, adding pressure in Klopp’s rotation.

Liverpool Defend £450m Summer Spending Spree

Richard Hughes (Liverpool sporting director)
September 2025

Liverpool smashed records with £450m in transfers, headlined by Alexander Isak (£125m) and Florian Wirtz (£100m rising to £116m). Hughes defended the huge outlay, stressing the priority was signing players suited to Arne Slot’s system, rather than obsessing over eye-watering fees. Liverpool’s summer recruits included Ekitike, Frimpong, Kerkez, and Leoni, forming the most expensive squad rebuild in the Premier League. Hughes explained at IMG x RedBird Summit that the club pays what it deems fair market value, focusing on age, role, and necessity above headlines.

Ekitike Equals Sturridge Record at Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
September 2025

New signing Hugo Ekitike has made a flying start at Liverpool, scoring in his first three matches to match Daniel Sturridge’s 2013 record. His form has also earned him his first senior France call-up during the September international break. Goals against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Newcastle cemented his impact, while positive contributions versus Arsenal kept his momentum going. Ekitike credits teammates and Arne Slot’s support for helping him quickly adapt and settle into life at Anfield.

Ekitike Left Out of France Squad Despite Liverpool Form

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool, France)
August 2025

Hugo Ekitike has been omitted from Didier Deschamps’ latest France squad despite scoring three goals in three games since joining Liverpool. His wait for a senior international debut continues despite making an electric start to life at Anfield. Deschamps left out Ekitike for September qualifiers, preferring other options despite his sharp form. While the 23-year-old continues to impress in England, competition for attacking spots in the France squad remains fierce ahead of World Cup qualification.

Ekitike Tipped for First France Call-Up After Liverpool Start

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
August 2025

Hugo Ekitike is being considered for a first France call-up after scoring on his Liverpool debut against Crystal Palace and again versus Bournemouth. Deschamps could select him for September’s qualifiers, potentially at the expense of Randal Kolo Muani, whose PSG future remains uncertain. Ekitike’s sharp impact since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt has impressed both Liverpool staff and Deschamps’ camp. With Kolo Muani unsettled amid Juventus interest, the French coach may reward Ekitike’s form by handing him an international debut in crucial World Cup qualifiers.

VAR Under Fire After Liverpool Handball Controversy

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)
August 2025

Liverpool fans raged after referee Anthony Taylor and VAR ignored a clear handball by Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi against Hugo Ekitike in their Premier League opener. Supporters slammed the decision as disgraceful and called for accountability in officiating. Just 12 minutes into the new season, Senesi deliberately handled the ball to stop Ekitike’s run, but avoided punishment. The decision reignited debates on VAR’s consistency, with accusations of incompetence clouding the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

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