With Hugo Ekichique closed on the move to Liverpool, the Premier League Champions dressing room will soon welcome the excited nature of the French reported behind the scenes
Hugo Ekitike is set to bring a pleasant mood to the Liverpool dressing room, according to the former captain. The French are expected to sign the Premier League champions after agreeing to a deal to sign the Eintrachat Frankfurt star.
According to Athletic, the two clubs have agreed to a £609 million advance fee of £10 million on add-ons, and Ekitique has already agreed to the personal terms on the part of Arne Slot. The 23-year-old enjoyed a career-high campaign for the Bundesliga side last season, scoring 22 goals and contributing 12 assists in all competitions.
Ekitike spent a half-season in Germany on his first permanent transfer outside of his hometown of France. Before signing Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, the striker had begun his professional career at his boyhood club, Rymes.
It was in 2021 that he loaned the season for Denmark’s Super Rigaside Vejle when he joined the club during his January transfer period. Although he only spent a few months in Denmark, he had a positive impact, according to Jacob Schoop, the captain of Vejle at the time.
Speaking to BBC Sports, the smiling Schoop recalled fond memories of Ekitique’s stint at the club when his future French Liverpool teammates joined the vibrant characters they gain. “He always felt good and loved to have fun in the dressing room,” he said.
“If there was a song he danced on the speaker, it’s not really Danish culture. Most of us were more reserved! He was a happy boy and despite him not playing much at first, he trained well and had a really good attitude.
“The joy he played was amazing to see. Even during tough sessions, he’s still laughing and enjoying playing the player with one beat hit, or a bit more extra.” He finished with just three goals and one assist from Vejle, but his quality was clearly clear, Schoop said.
“There was a game against Sonderjyske. If we won, we avoided relegation. Hugo was incredible in that game,” he says. “That’s the sign of a massive game player – step up and find that little extra.”
Ahead of his planned medical care this week, Ekitique will fly to Hong Kong to join with his Liverpool teammates who took part in a 10-day preseason tour on Monday.
Ekitike’s imminent arrival only adds speculation surrounding Darwinnes’ future. Nunez is set to leave Anfield this summer in three years with the club.
Despite the possibility that the 26-year-old may leave Merseyside, he enjoys a positive start to the preseason, which began with Liverpool’s 3-1 win at Preston North End earlier this month. He followed with a hat-trick in the first half in a friendly 5-0 victory that closed Stoke City 5-0 on Sunday.
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