Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is set to face his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, in the Champions League on Wednesday, stepping onto familiar turf that has changed considerably since he left in July.
Last season, Frankfurt made history by finishing in the Bundesliga top four for the first time, securing a third-place finish—their best since 1992-93. But the current campaign has been turbulent, with the Eagles claiming just one win in their last five games across all competitions. Their once-solid defense has conceded 18 goals over that stretch, providing a tempting opportunity for Liverpool’s struggling attack.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are grappling with their own challenges, including a misfiring forward line and a four-game losing streak. But Ekitike’s return could add intrigue, as he was Frankfurt’s key attacking outlet last season. Following the winter departure of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City, the French forward scored 22 goals and contributed 12 assists in 48 appearances, often carrying the team’s offensive burden.
Frankfurt have long relied on selling their top talents for significant profits. Since 2020, departures including Ekitike, Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller, and Willian Pacho have brought in a combined €418 million ($487 million). Ekitike’s summer move to Liverpool reportedly cost £69 million ($92 million). While Frankfurt continue to scout and develop young talent, losing star players inevitably triggers transitional periods, leaving the team prone to moments of brilliance and chaos alike.
Their Champions League campaign has mirrored this inconsistency. The Eagles began with an astonishing 5-1 win over Galatasaray, only to be humbled by the same scoreline against Atletico Madrid. In the Bundesliga, they sit seventh after seven matches, boasting an impressive goalscoring record but also conceding more than most teams.
For Liverpool, Frankfurt’s struggles could present an opportunity, but Jurgen Klopp’s side is far from a finished product. Recent signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have yet to make a decisive impact, leaving Ekitike as the standout performer among Liverpool’s summer recruits. The 23-year-old has already scored five goals in 11 appearances, offering a glimmer of hope amid the Reds’ season-long challenges.
Sporting director Timmo Hardung sees the clash as a potential turning point for Frankfurt. “It will be a completely different game,” he told the club’s website. “Starting Monday, things will move forward again. Liverpool. Champions League. There’s nothing better in football. I’m incredibly excited about it.”
