Why Liverpool must sign Reims hotshot Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool have impressed in the first half of this season and capped that fine start by becoming the first English club to win all six of their Champions League group stage fixtures thanks to a 2-1 win over Milan.
Averaging just under three goals a game, Jurgen Klopp is blessed with a formidable forward line. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and even super sub Divock Origi have all contributed to their 44 league goals in just 15 matches.
But Klopp's job is also to look to the future and find the next player who can improve his squad, thereby priming the club for trophies in years to come.
One such player who should be on the Anfield manager's radar is 19-year-old Hugo Ekitike.
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Who is Ekitike?
The young Frenchman plays his football for Reims in France's Ligue 1 and has already scored seven goals in 15 appearances in his first season in one of Europe's top five leagues.
This goal return means no under-20 player has scored more goals in a ‘Big 5’ league this term.
Ekitike has speed, agility and a keen eye for goal, but is also a tall player at 6ft 2in, meaning he offers an aerial threat as well.
Why would Klopp be interested?
Divock Origi is the fourth choice Liverpool and used by Klopp on the rare occasion when his starting forwards have failed to find the net.
If Klopp needs to go direct, Origi is the man he calls on.
But now Ekitike could offer the Liverpool manager this option thanks to his large frame and ability in the air, with the bonus that he has pace to burn.
Ekitike has also been praised for his defensive work for Reims this season and his adaptability to play in a high press, a trademark of Jurgen Klopp's team.
Finally, the French frontman can hold up possession and create chances either for himself or those around him.
Ekitike is currently valued at €4 million but if he continues to score goals at his current rate, expect that price tag to be much higher come the summer. Liverpool must move now.
