Hugo Ekitike explains Liverpool move and reflects on his rising form

Hugo Ekitike’s first months at Liverpool have been far from quiet, but the French forward has embraced every moment. After scoring twice in the win over Brighton, his tally for the season moved into double figures, continuing a flying start that has made him one of Liverpool’s most important attacking players. Only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago have scored more Premier League goals than him this season, and he has become the fastest Liverpool striker since Daniel Sturridge to reach seven goals in his first ten league starts.

Joining the club in a deal worth up to £79m, Ekitike arrived with expectation and scrutiny. Yet in a season where Liverpool have fluctuated in performances, his consistency has stood out. He is not satisfied, though. Reflecting on his first months at Anfield, he spoke with ambition, honesty and a self-awareness rarely seen in players his age.

Ekitike describes Liverpool as a destination he had dreamed about long before negotiations began. A place where the pressure feels purposeful, where the challenge elevates him.

“I know what people expect. I have my expectations too,” he said. “I’m working to be as good as people want me to be. And I know I’m in a place I was dreaming to be.”

He spoke about the mental side of adapting to elite football — how ambition requires constant repetition, not moments of satisfaction. Scoring twice is not the end point. In his words, “If tomorrow I score a brace and say ‘I’m really good,’ it stops.”

Ekitike insists he wants to be the best, but acknowledges the work still ahead. The willingness to run for others, make unglamorous movements and remain valuable even without goals shows a maturity in his development.

The start to his Liverpool career was fast, thrilling, and intense. But the forward admitted the reality check eventually came.

“It’s not too easy. We need to struggle with everything we do, and maybe at the end it’s even more beautiful to win,” he said, adding that consistency is his biggest target for the second half of the season.

Ekitike believes his general level has been good while being honest about performances he wishes he had influenced more. Still, he feels he is improving every week and is confident that his season will “switch” into something special if he continues to grow.

What shines through in his reflections is how much he values joy and expression in football. He wants supporters to feel excitement watching him play — a theme that echoes throughout his interviews.

Ekitike revealed that his first experience as a Liverpool player came thousands of miles away, during the club’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong. Unable to train but immediately introduced to the crowd during an open session, the noise shocked him.

He met club icons, including Sir Kenny Dalglish, and was seen wearing a retro Steven Gerrard shirt during the summer. While he insists Liverpool’s past didn’t influence his decision, he respects the history deeply.

“I like Stevie G… even if you don’t support Liverpool, you know about him,” he said with a smile.

Having followed Liverpool closely this season, Ekitike’s adaptation stands out for its mentality as much as its output. Although some questioned whether he was ready to become a leading striker, it’s worth noting how seamlessly he has absorbed the club’s expectations.

In our view, his blend of physicality, movement and emotional maturity makes him an ideal long-term project. His willingness to accept criticism, embrace pressure and pursue improvement without ego aligns with the ethos that has shaped Liverpool’s best forwards.

The club’s recent struggles may accelerate his growth rather than hinder it. In difficult moments, responsibility reveals character — and Ekitike appears eager to shoulder more.

Liverpool travel to Tottenham this weekend, where Ekitike is expected to lead the line again. With confidence rising and his role expanding, he enters the festive period looking like one of the squad’s most decisive players.

👉 kitikeLiverpool fans — is Ekitike becoming the club’s next long-term star, or is there still another level for him to reach?