Can Hugo Ekitike Fire Liverpool Past His Former Club?

Ekitike Returns to Frankfurt, can he fire Liverpool to win?

Hugo Ekitike returns to Frankfurt as Liverpool face his former club in the Champions League. Can the young striker help the Reds get back on track?

Frankfurt has a recent history of selling top talents for substantial profits...

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is set to face his former club Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, seeking to help his new team snap a four-game losing streak. Frankfurt, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season to secure a historic Champions League spot, have struggled for consistency this term.

Frankfurt's current form is a far cry from the team Ekitike left behind in July. Despite scoring the most goals in the Bundesliga apart from league leaders Bayern Munich, they also boast the worst defensive record, conceding more goals than any other side. Their young squad has shown flashes of brilliance and moments of chaos in equal measure this season.

Eintracht Frankfurt's third-place finish was a notable achievement, marking their best result since the 1992/93 season. However, the team's form has been inconsistent this season, managing only one win in their last five games across all competitions.

Liverpool's struggling forward line will be eyeing Frankfurt's defense, which has conceded 18 goals in their last five games. Frankfurt's recent defensive struggles could provide opportunities for Liverpool's attackers to capitalize on.

Liverpool are on a four-game losing streak, but Frankfurt's issues run deeper, having lost their star player Hugo Ekitike in the summer transfer window. Ekitike was Frankfurt's key attacking threat last season, stepping up after Omar Marmoush's departure to Manchester City in January. He scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 games across all competitions.

Hugo 📸 pic.twitter.com/rRt9AXOU8o

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 21, 2025

Frankfurt's challenge is to replace Ekitike's impact, and they face a tough test against Liverpool on Wednesday. The German side have struggled to find consistency this season, boasting the league's highest-scoring attack while also conceding the most goals.

Frankfurt has a recent history of selling top talents for substantial profits. Hugo Ekitike's transfer to Liverpool for a reported £69 million is the latest example. Other notable sales include Omar Marmoush to Manchester City, Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain, Luka Jovic to Real Madrid, Sebastian Haller to West Ham, and Willian Pacho to PSG.

These sales have generated significant revenue for Frankfurt, with Ekitike's transfer alone expected to bring in around €90-100 million. The club's ability to identify and nurture young talent has allowed them to reap substantial profits, with these six players bringing in a combined €418 million since 2020.

Frankfurt's business model revolves around scouting undervalued players, developing their skills, and selling them at a significant markup. This approach has enabled the club to challenge the dominance of larger European clubs and generate substantial transfer revenue.

Our 21-man squad for Wednesday’s #UCL tie with Eintracht Frankfurt has been confirmed.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 21, 2025

Frankfurt's scouts have a knack for discovering talent, but replacing key players like Ekitike is never easy. The departure of such a significant contributor inevitably leads to a period of rebuilding, which can be challenging for any team.

As a young team in transition, Frankfurt's season has been marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of chaos in equal measure. This inconsistency has defined their campaign so far.

Mixed Fortunes in Europe

Frankfurt's Champions League debut was a thrilling 5-1 win over Galatasaray, showcasing their youthful attack. However, their next outing was a humbling 5-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, exposing vulnerabilities in their defense.

Eintracht Frankfurt currently sits seventh in the Bundesliga standings with three wins, three losses, and one draw from seven matches. While they're not at the top of the table, they've showcased impressive attacking prowess, scoring the second-most goals in the league this season - only behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

However, Frankfurt's defensive woes have been a major concern. They've conceded the most goals in the league, highlighting the team's struggles at the back. This inconsistency has defined their season so far, with Frankfurt failing to find a consistent rhythm.

Frankfurt's current struggles could be an opportunity for Liverpool to turn their season around, but the Reds are aware that they will be vulnerable as they try to gel as a team.

Liverpool's new signing, Florian Wirtz, hasn't found the back of the net or provided an assist in the Premier League or Champions League since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, another summer recruit, hasn't quite hit his stride yet, despite being clinical in front of goal for Newcastle in the past.

Hugo Ekitike has been a standout performer for Liverpool despite the team's struggles this season. The 23-year-old French striker has scored five goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his impressive form since joining the club.

Ekitike's impressive performance has led Frankfurt's sporting director to believe that facing Liverpool could be the catalyst to ignite their season. Markus Kroesche acknowledged Ekitike's talent, stating that his move to Liverpool demonstrates the club's ability to offer players great prospects.

"It will be a completely different game,” Hardung told Frankfurt's website on Sunday.

“Starting Monday, things will move forward again.

“Liverpool. Champions League. There's nothing better in football. I'm incredibly excited about it.”