A Liverpool player celebrates with his fists raised while the Real Madrid crest appears in the foreground.
FIRST TEAM

Liverpool's blatant signing sends a message of love to Madrid: maximum tension

Hugo Ekitike has stated that his childhood idol was Benzema, and his playing style is very reminiscent of his compatriot

Hugo Ekitike hasn't taken long to leave his mark in England. The brand-new Liverpool signing made his debut yesterday in the Premier League and did so in style.

He was the main figure in the 4-2 win over AFC Bournemouth, where he opened the scoring and assisted Cody Gakpo for the 2-0. His performance earned him the MVP of the match.

The French forward, just 23 years old, arrived at the Anfield club this summer after a multi-million transfer. The "reds" paid €95 million and secured him with a contract until 2031. This is a clear bet on the future that's already starting to pay off.

Statement with a Madridist flavor

After the match, Ekitike surprised with some words that have caused a stir. "Players I grew up watching? Neymar and Karim Benzema. I loved Benzema", he admitted in the mixed zone.

The nod to the former Real Madrid striker hasn't gone unnoticed. In Liverpool, they see it as a sign of admiration for one of his idols, but in Madrid, it's interpreted as a message of affection toward the white club. The mention of Benzema, a Bernabéu legend, raises the tension in a market where the giants remain alert to every move.

Dream debut at Anfield

Ekitike showed in his first match the qualities that convinced Liverpool. Constant movement, speed in making runs, and composure in the box. His goal in the 12th minute (12 min.) opened a clash that ended in celebration at Anfield.

In addition, he took part in the play for the second goal with a pinpoint assist to Gakpo. The home crowd bid him farewell with applause and chanting his name, proof that in just 90 minutes (90 min.) he already won over the "reds" fans.

Soccer player in a red Liverpool uniform running on the field during a match with a stadium full of fans in the background
Hugo Ekitike celebrating his first goal in the Premier League | Getty Images

In England, they celebrate the signing, but in Spain, the Madridist nod hasn't gone unnoticed. Real Madrid isn't looking for a striker in this market and they trust Mbappé in that position, but it doesn't lose sight of young strikers with global potential.

Ekitike's words fuel speculation. The Frenchman has started his time at Liverpool strongly, but he has already made it clear who his idols were. Among them, Karim Benzema stands out.

A dream debut in the Premier League and a statement that, unintentionally, connects his name with Real Madrid. The tension is on.

➡️ First Team

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