Liverpool capped their summer pre-season with a flawless display, securing back-to-back victories against Athletic Bilbao in front of a roaring Anfield crowd. The matches served as a grand stage for the Reds’ marquee signings, with Hugo Ekitike, the club’s record-breaking transfer, stealing the spotlight with a blend of skill and passion. The 23-year-old Frenchman, visibly enchanted by the Kop’s electric atmosphere, delivered a pivotal assist for Mohamed Salah in the 4-1 rout. In a dramatic twist, sources reveal that Ekitike nearly missed the match due to a last-minute passport issue during his travel from Paris, resolved only hours before kickoff, adding a layer of suspense to his Anfield debut.

A Dazzling Debut for Liverpool’s Newcomers

The twin friendlies against Bilbao showcased Liverpool’s revamped squad under Arne Slot, with new signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike making their mark. The first match, a 4-1 thrashing, saw 16-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha score and assist, but Ekitike’s contribution—a perfectly weighted pass for Salah’s goal—proved his worth as Liverpool’s most expensive acquisition. The second game, a 3-2 win, highlighted the attacking unit’s versatility, with Wirtz and Frimpong adding flair and dynamism.

Ekitike’s debut was nearly derailed by a logistical nightmare. Insiders disclose that a misplaced passport delayed his arrival from Paris, with club staff scrambling to secure emergency documentation. The issue was resolved just in time, allowing Ekitike to step onto Anfield’s hallowed turf and experience the iconic atmosphere he now calls home.

Ekitike’s Love Affair with Anfield

Post-match, Ekitike couldn’t hide his exhilaration at playing before the Anfield faithful. Speaking to reporters, he said:

“I absolutely loved this experience; the atmosphere for my first game was incredible. I feel so proud and just want to play as many matches as possible at this stadium—it’s truly special.”

The former PSG striker, whose transfer fee smashed Liverpool’s record books, showed promising signs of integration. His assist for Salah demonstrated his vision, but Ekitike remained self-critical, acknowledging areas for improvement:

“I’ve been here just over a week and I’m still building chemistry with my teammates, especially on those final passes and our overall play. I love playing with them, and off the pitch, they’re such friendly guys, which makes me feel really comfortable. There are still small things we need to polish as a team. Even for myself, when I had the ball, I know I could’ve done better today. But I’m so excited to play with these teammates, and I believe we’ll achieve great things together this season.”

A Glimpse of Liverpool’s Future

Ekitike’s candor reflects the ambition driving Liverpool’s new era. The Bilbao matches, tinged with emotional weight due to a tribute for Diogo Jota and his late brother Andre Silva, showcased a squad brimming with potential. The Reds’ attacking depth, bolstered by Ngumoha’s emergence and the flair of Wirtz and Frimpong, suggests they are well-equipped for the challenges ahead, even as rumors swirl about Salah’s potential 2026 exit to the Saudi Pro League.

The passport scare adds a dramatic footnote to Ekitike’s debut. Sources say the issue arose when his travel documents were misplaced during a last-minute flight change, requiring urgent intervention from Liverpool’s administrative team. The near-miss only heightened the significance of his performance, proving his resilience under pressure.

Gearing Up for the Season

In five days, Ekitike and his teammates will face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, marking the official start of the 2025/26 campaign. With Liverpool’s sights set on defending their Premier League title and pursuing Alexander Isak for £110 million, the squad’s depth and hunger are evident. Ekitike’s early impact, coupled with his determination to refine his game, signals a bright future.

As Anfield buzzes with anticipation, Ekitike’s debut has sparked hope that he could become the next cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack. With the Kop’s chants still ringing in his ears, the young Frenchman is poised to write his own chapter in the club’s storied history—provided he can navigate the pressures of stardom and the occasional travel hiccup.