“HE’S JUST NOT READY!” – EKITIKE VERDICT IS IN 🚨 Liverpool Fans Voice MAJOR Concern After Just 45 Minutes in Debut Appearance 😳
In what was supposed to be a promising and exciting debut for new Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike, things didn’t exactly go to plan. The young striker, brought in with much anticipation and hope during the summer window, was handed his first appearance for Liverpool in their preseason clash against Yokohama Marinos — but after just 45 minutes, the internet exploded with a wave of frustration, confusion, and early criticism.
🔴 “He’s not ready for the Premier League.”
🔴 “He looks lost out there.”
🔴 “Why did we sign him again?”
These were just a few of the overwhelming comments flooding social media as Ekitike’s debut sparked more questions than answers.
From the moment the referee blew the whistle, fans were eager to see the Frenchman finally wear the red shirt in action. But rather than lighting up the pitch, Ekitike seemed to struggle with Liverpool’s pressing intensity, often caught off-position, miscommunicating with his teammates, and failing to make any serious impact in the final third.
Some fans tried to be patient, reminding others that it was just his first 45 minutes in a new system, under a new manager, and in a new country. But the majority weren’t holding back, expressing serious doubts about whether he can live up to the expectations set by his arrival.
One frustrated supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
> “He doesn’t seem to understand the rhythm of our play. No link-up, no urgency, no spark. It’s worrying.”
Another fan chimed in:
> “I’m not going to write him off after 45 minutes, but wow… that was NOT a good look. We need another forward if this is what we’re going into the season with.”
Even pundits watching the match noted Ekitike’s hesitancy and lack of sharpness, with some suggesting that he may need months of adaptation before he’s even close to being ready for a regular first-team role.
⚠️ What’s even more worrying for the fans? The fact that Liverpool’s other forwards — like Ben Doak and youngster Lewis Koumas — looked more threatening in half the time. This has only amplified fears that the club may have rushed this signing or, worse, backed the wrong profile of striker entirely.
Let’s not forget, Ekitike was once touted as one of Europe’s hottest young attacking prospects, with interest from PSG and Newcastle United before Liverpool finally made the move. But based on this first glimpse, fans are wondering if the hype was overblown.
💥 As the dust settles from the match, one thing is clear:
Ekitike has a long way to go before convincing the Anfield faithful.
Will Arne Slot persist with him in upcoming games, or will he quietly be eased out of the spotlight? Can Ekitike bounce back from this rocky start, or will he become another expensive gamble that didn’t pay off?
Time will tell, but for now, the Ekitike Verdict from Liverpool fans is loud, emotional, and unanimous:
“NOT GOOD ENOUGH… FOR NOW.”