In an interview with L’Équipe, former Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé praised Hugo Ekitike for his dramatic transformation since departing Paris Saint-Germain, calling the new Liverpool forward “a completely different player” from the one who struggled for game time in Ligue 1.
“He’s not the same player he was at PSG,” Cissé noted. “He’s daring again—taking risks, trying bold things—and they’re paying off.”
Ekitike endured a tough stint in Paris, spending much of his time on the bench. But after a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he racked up 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, the young striker has now sealed a headline-grabbing transfer to Liverpool. The deal is believed to be worth up to €90 million, including performance bonuses.
Cissé, who lifted the Champions League trophy with Liverpool in 2005, believes Ekitike’s resurgence has arrived at the perfect moment.
“His confidence has returned. He’s playing freely, with joy and flair—that’s the Ekitike everyone wanted to see,” said Cissé.