What Lionel Messi used to say about Hugo Ekitike during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain should excite Liverpool supporters and ease the uncertainty surrounding the Reds’ decision to sign the Frenchman, especially after choosing to prioritise him over Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. The 23-year-old has agreed to join the Premier League champions in a deal worth an initial £69 million.
Last season, the 6ft 3in striker scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists in 48 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt. A recent statistical comparison with Isak – who Arne Slot’s side were reportedly willing to break the British transfer fee record for – suggests Ekitike’s all-round gameplay may be an even better tactical fit for Liverpool’s system.
And while some uncertainty may still linger, Messi’s glowing praise and special nickname for Ekitike during their PSG days should help ease remaining doubts. As Liverpool continue assembling a potential super team ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with the glow of last season’s success still warm, confidence in the club’s recruitment strategy is bigger than the ambitions themselves.
Lionel Messi’s Thoughts About Hugo Ekitike
The GOAT even christened him with a nickname
He left the Parc des Princes for Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024 after just 18 months and 12 starts in Ligue 1 for PSG, as he ultimately (and unsurprisingly) failed to dislodge Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Messi from the attack. However, the France U23 international still made a strong impression on the latter in training.
L’Equipe stated back in 2022 that Messi took a liking to Ekitike in Paris, nicknaming his teammate the “iron rod” due to his lanky frame, but surprisingly rapid turn of pace. The French news outlet added that the Argentina international also acted as a mentor for the Reims academy graduate. Watch all of his goals from the 2024/25 season below:
Ekitike now joins a squad already strengthened by the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, while reports suggest the club is also on high alert to make a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman only ever wanted a move to Anfield, and it looks set to be the best place for him to hone his skills, with immediate impact perhaps a muzzled necessity with those around him more than capable of firing the Reds to unprecedented heights.