Liverpool: Hugo Ekitiké and the curse of the "marquee signings"

Europe 15 April 2026 at 08:01

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

14.04.26 FT Champions League

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Terrible news for Hugo Ekitiké. The French striker suffered a serious injury on Tuesday night during the Liverpool – PSG Champions League quarter-final clash.

Substituted by Mohamed Salah after just half an hour, the former Eintracht Frankfurt player now has to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup.

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According to medical reports, he's suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, which means he's expected to be sidelined for around nine months. A huge blow for the striker, who has scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists this season.

Signed for nearly €95 million, Ekitiké is not the first Liverpool "marquee signing" to be struck by injury in recent years.

Before him, Jérémy Jacquet (€63 million), Giovanni Leoni (€31 million), Jeremie Frimpong (€30 million), and Alexander Isak (€145 million) all suffered the same curse.

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