When Hugo Ekitike first burst onto the scene at Stade Reims, few could have predicted his meteoric rise. Now, as Liverpool reportedly table a £69m bid for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, Baji live examines why this 22-year-old Frenchman has become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.
The Making of a Modern Striker
Ekitike‘s journey began in Reims’ youth academy, where coaches crafted a unique development plan comparing him to Kylian Mbappé and two other attainable targets. “We wanted him to first reach those levels before aiming higher,” reveals Oscar Garcia, his former manager at Reims, in an exclusive with Baji live.
What followed was remarkable – within months, the teenager surpassed those benchmarks and set his sights squarely on Mbappé’s level. This audacious mentality, combined with his 6’3″ frame and technical brilliance, makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Bundesliga Breakthrough
After a challenging stint at PSG where he learned alongside Messi and Neymar, Ekitike found his groove in Frankfurt:
- 22 goals in all competitions (2024/25 season)
- 117 shots – more than any Bundesliga player including Harry Kane
- Versatile across front three positions
- Excels in both counter-attacking and possession systems
Why Top Clubs Are Chasing His Signature
Football analyst Sam Tighe notes: “What makes Ekitike special is his rare combination of physicality and technical ability. He’s not just a target man – he creates chances through intelligent movement and dribbling.”
His former coach Garcia adds: “You don’t find many strikers like him at his age – tall, fast, mobile, excellent one-on-one, strong hold-up play, and a goalscorer.”
The Next Step: Premier League Ready?
With Liverpool’s interest confirmed, questions remain:
- Can he adapt to Premier League physicality?
- Will his finishing consistency improve? (He underperformed xG by 3.7 last season)
- Is £69m justified for a player with just one full top-flight season?
Ekitike’s celebrations could soon be seen in England – Image via Baji live
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
Hugo Ekitike represents the modern striker prototype – technically gifted, physically imposing, and tactically flexible. While questions remain about his end product, his trajectory suggests this could be a smart investment. As Baji live can confirm, when Ekitike sets his sights on a target – whether personal benchmarks or Premier League glory – he rarely misses.
