Is £79 Million Hugo Ekitike Liverpool’s Next Thierry Henry or Another Darwin Nunez?

Liverpool has once again decided to pour a fortune into a forward brimming with potential, yet lacking in experience. Three years ago, the Reds invested an initial £64 million ($86m) in Darwin Nunez, a young striker who had only one impressive season to his name. Sadly, the gamble didn’t pay off, marking Nunez as one of the most disappointing deals in Liverpool’s history.

Now, Liverpool is investing even more in Hugo Ekitike, a forward with a less impressive CV than Nunez had in 2022. So, what made the Reds willing to cough up an initial £69m ($92.7m) for Ekitike? And will he thrive where Nunez failed so dramatically? Let’s dive into one of the summer’s most intriguing transfers…

The Unfortunate Tale of Darwin Nunez

Liverpool commenced their hunt for a new No.9 well before the end of the 2021-22 season. They had their sights set on three young strikers – Nunez, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland. However, with Haaland out of their price range, the Reds had to choose between Isak and Nunez. Jurgen Klopp, the then-manager, favored Nunez, leading to a disastrous decision that left Nunez labeled a laughing stock for his terrible finishing.

The Failed Pursuit of Alexander Isak

Despite the Nunez debacle, it’s not fair to entirely blame Klopp. Nunez seemed promising at Benfica, with an impressive performance record. Yet, the excitement soon turned into bewilderment as Nunez proved unreliable in front of the goal. Now, Liverpool’s hopes of making amends by bringing in Isak seem crushed, with Newcastle choosing to let the Reds have Ekitike instead.

Is Hugo Ekitike the Silver Lining?

Ekitike wasn’t a last-minute choice for Liverpool; he’s been a long-term target. The Frenchman first caught their attention during his breakout season in Germany. Liverpool fans might not know much about Ekitike, but the club’s recruitment team certainly does.

Ekitike’s Rise to Prominence

Ekitike made a name for himself at Reims after a successful loan spell at Danish outfit Vejle in 2021. Despite a brief, unsuccessful stint with Paris Saint-Germain, Ekitike’s move to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024 marked the beginning of his rise to prominence. He transformed from a substitute to a star in just over a year.

Is Ekitike Worth the Price Tag?

However, despite his impressive performance in Frankfurt, a fee of £79m ($106m) seems steep for an inexperienced forward like Ekitike. But this doesn’t mean that Liverpool has signed another flop. Ekitike’s attributes make him an ideal fit for the Reds. His skillset, coupled with his potential for growth, has led to comparisons with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

High Hopes for Ekitike

While Ekitike still has a lot to work on, his mindset is as laudable as his technique. His former coach at Reims, Oscar Garcia, praised Ekitike’s hard work in training, and his friends have compared his mentality to that of Kobe Bryant. Despite his struggles at PSG, Ekitike managed to learn from exceptional players like Messi and Mbappe.

Now, Liverpool has given him the golden chance to reach his potential. Unlike Nunez, Ekitike seems to have the necessary talent and temperament to seize this opportunity.