Ekitiké's Warm Welcome: Liverpool's New Star Settles In Fast

There was a heartwarming moment for Liverpool fans on Thursday as new signing Hugo Ekitiké met his team-mates for the first time — in Hong Kong, where the Reds are currently stationed for pre-season preparations.

A video shared by The Anfield Wrap captured the French striker being greeted by a mix of laughter, hugs, and banter from the Liverpool squad. The 22-year-old, who joined the club earlier this week, looked relaxed and upbeat as he was welcomed into the group ahead of Saturday’s friendly against AC Milan.

– Thursday, 24 July 2025

– Thursday, 24 July 2025

The clip, just over a minute long, quickly went viral online and drew a wave of fan reaction. Many noted Ekitiké’s imposing height, with some joking he looked even taller than Ibrahima Konaté. “No way bro 6’3. Looks taller than Ibou and same as Giorgi,” one fan posted in disbelief.

Others picked up on the team’s camaraderie, with Andy Robertson reportedly cracking the first joke and Ekitiké already appearing familiar with players like Konaté, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong — all of whom feature prominently in Liverpool’s revamped squad.

“Not me at work smiling ☺️ on this vid,” wrote one fan, while another added: “Must be the most surreal feeling that man. When I was 23 I shat the bed walking into an office of 50 people ffs.”

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The Reds are in the Far East as part of their summer tour, with matches designed to build fitness, chemistry and momentum ahead of the new Premier League season. The clash against AC Milan is expected to feature many of the club’s new arrivals, including Ekitiké, who will be hoping to impress manager Arne Slot early on.

With fans already embracing him and the squad clearly in good spirits, it looks like Liverpool’s latest signing is settling in fast — and bringing plenty of buzz with him.

📸 Alex Grimm - 2025 Getty Images