According to a 2022 report by L’Équipe, Messi affectionately dubbed Ekitike the “iron rod,” a nod to the striker’s slim but athletic build and his sudden bursts of accele

Liverpool famously vetoed the £53m signing of Nabil Fekir from Lyon back in June 2018 after becoming aware of a knee issue, once the Frenchman had carried out his medical. Therefore, if something similar occurs during Ekitike’s medical check, those at Anfield could well send him back to Frankfurt.

Liverpool is closing in on a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike and if the Reds' track record in the transfer market over the last 10 years is anything to go by, he will probably be a roaring success

Liverpool’s transfer strategy appears to be evolving under Arne Slot, with ESPN reporting that a personal Zoom call from the new head coach has shifted Hugo Ekitike’s stance on a move to Anfield. This development could mark a significant moment in shaping Liverpool’s future attacking plans.

Ekitike’s former youth coach Jean-Philippe, AKA ‘Nano’, spoke with GOAL in 2021 and explained some of the qualities he exuded as a young boy, which have continued into his playing career as an adult.