When Liverpool splashed out €80 million (with a further €12 million in performance-based add-ons) to signal Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer time, expectations surged instantly.
The transfer was lauded as an announcement of intent by the Reds, who noticed in Ekitike not simply uncooked potential, however a expertise ripe for development underneath stress.
But as an alternative of letting that price ticket outline him, Ekitike has taken a remarkably grounded view of what was, by many measures, an enormous gamble.
At simply 23, the French ahead has already made a noticeable impression at Anfield, registering 4 objectives in all competitions since becoming a member of.
Hugo Ekitike has been an instantaneous hit at Liverpool
One in all his most memorable moments got here through the Merseyside Derby when he scored the second objective for his workforce to present them a 2-0 lead at that time.
When requested how he has managed expectations tied to his big-money transfer, Ekitike was characteristically simple and unflustered.
In dialog with Canal+, Ekitike mentioned this about his switch payment:
“I don’t care.”
He added:
“Every part that may be mentioned on the surface, the switch payment, it’s what it’s. Soccer modified. You could have an enormous price ticket in your again? Simply play soccer.“
Ekitike continues to impress for the Reds
Many gamers in related conditions really feel weighed down by their value tags, media scrutiny, fan expectations, inside stress, however Ekitike appears to have accepted that these include fashionable soccer’s realities.
Ekitike’s arrival at Liverpool comes at a time when expectations are excessive, each from followers and the membership hierarchy.
The attacker is joined by Alexander Isak this summer time at Anfield, Premier League’s document signing and that would put extra stress on the French attacker however Ekitike is welcoming that competitors.
Whether or not Ekitike turns into a long-term success at Liverpool will rely not on what he price, however on how he delivers, and the way persistently.
Liverpool star is not going to go away in January as Euro giants ship switch stance
