Hugo Ekitike pictured with new shirt after Liverpool omission
Hugo Ekitike shared a message on social media after being dropped for the first time this season despite his strong start at Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side left it late against Atletico Madrid in their first Champions League fixture as Virgil van Dijk headed home the winner for Liverpool in stoppage time.
Much of the pre-match focus was on the debut of Alexander Isak, who was rested against Burnley.
Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign Isak, but had already made the £69 million signing of Ekitike earlier in the window.
Since his arrival, Ekitike has been in fine form for Slot’s side, scoring three goals and providing one assist this season.
However, the Frenchman was dropped for the tie against Atletico, and the 23-year-old has posted his first message on social media since being axed.
Hugo Ekitike receives gift from Antoine Griezmann after being dropped
For the first time this season, Ekitike was named on the bench as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid, with Isak preferred to lead the line.
Still, amid the debate surrounding his position, the Frenchman had a memorable moment at Anfield. He posted on Instagram with a picture of himself holding Antoine Griezmann’s shirt and said, “Legend”.
The gesture came in the same month that Ekitike received his first senior France call-up, as recognition for his performances since joining Liverpool, but it now appears his future in the first team looks uncertain.
Ekitike is now at risk of being displaced at Liverpool with Isak arriving, and suggestions of playing off the left were dismissed by Slot himself.
When describing both players, he said “But in general I think both of them are more No. 9s than any other position” [via TNT Sports].
Despite being backed heavily in the window, it seems as if the manager has difficult decisions regarding his attacking options.
| Season statistics | Hugo Ekitike |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
Liverpool face Adam Wharton transfer blow
While Liverpool were busy in the transfer window, one of their targets will likely be unavailable in the upcoming window.
Football Insider revealed that Crystal Palace are planning to reject any offers for Adam Wharton during the January transfer window.
Liverpool are among the teams interested in Wharton and face competition from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Still, the South London club have no intention of letting their star midfielder leave, as he remains crucial to the side, despite the high-profile interest.