Hugo Ekitike has clarified the story behind a viral image of him wearing a classic Steven Gerrard shirt before completing his move to Liverpool. The French striker, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million, insisted the photograph was not an attempt to fuel transfer speculation.
The 23-year-old was pictured in a vintage Liverpool top with Gerrard’s name and number 28 while still a Frankfurt player. Ekitike revealed that his brother had bought the shirt as they prepared for a holiday, adding that Gerrard is a club legend. “He is maybe the first legend here at Liverpool,” he told the club’s website.
Ekitike enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga last season and believes the timing is right to take the next step. “I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level,” he said. Liverpool fought off competition from Newcastle to secure his signature.
The Reds have also added Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record fee, along with defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Reports suggest the club are also interested in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
