Photo Credit: Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike has become one of Eintracht Frankfurt's standout success stories in recent recruitment efforts. The French forward, who joined the German side on loan in early 2024, had already shown promise during his earlier days at Stade de Reims, attracting interest from clubs such as Newcastle United. Despite his potential, Ekitike struggled to find consistent playing time after opting to join Paris Saint-Germain, a club packed with attacking talent that left limited room for development.
Frankfurt saw an opportunity and secured him permanently a year ago. Under manager Dino Toppmoller, Ekitike demonstrated his adaptability by playing both as a lone striker and in a dual-striker formation. In the first half of the 2024-25 season, he formed a dangerous partnership with Omar Marmoush.
The pair were effective and unpredictable, frequently interchanging positions and keeping defenders guessing. However, this partnership was disrupted when Manchester City signed Marmoush for £63 million during the January transfer window. Frankfurt did not bring in a direct replacement, choosing instead to shift their tactical approach. In the second half of the season, Ekitike operated as the central forward with two attacking midfielders supporting him.
Ekitike's style of play is marked by versatility. He is not a traditional striker confined to the penalty area but rather one who roams and participates in the build-up. Although he may not be the most explosive player in terms of pace or dribbling, he is intelligent in how he positions himself and can beat defenders through clever movement rather than pure speed. His understanding of tactics is considered one of his strongest attributes. This extends beyond attacking play, as he is also effective in pressing systems, whether applied high up the pitch or in a more withdrawn midfield structure.
Overall, Ekitike has proven to be more than just a goalscorer. His ability to adjust to different tactical demands and play multiple roles in attack makes him an asset for any side. His journey from falling out of favor at PSG to becoming a key figure at Frankfurt highlights both his resilience and growth as a player. With Liverpool now reportedly closing in on a deal worth over £70 million, Ekitike's rise looks set to continue on an even bigger stage.
