Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé shared his insights with L’Équipe, expressing high praise for Hugo Ekitike`s notable progress since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. Cissé described Ekitike, now a Liverpool player, as “a completely different footballer” compared to the one who faced challenges in Ligue 1.
“He`s not the same player he was at PSG,” Cissé stated. “He`s once again striving for bold actions, and they are yielding results.”
After a difficult period in Paris, where he largely remained on the sidelines, Ekitike successfully rebuilt his form and confidence during an outstanding season at Eintracht Frankfurt. He concluded the 2024/25 campaign with an impressive tally of 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.
These impactful performances have now secured him a high-profile transfer to Liverpool in a deal reportedly valued up to €90 million, including performance-based bonuses. Cissé, who famously won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005, believes that the forward`s resurgence has occurred at the most opportune moment.
“His confidence has returned. He plays with joy, takes risks – that`s the Ekitike people wanted to see.”
