Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike Likely to Miss First France International Call-Ups

Despite making a strong start at Liverpool since his £79 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, striker Hugo Ekitike is not expected to be included in France’s upcoming World Cup qualification squad. The national team is set to announce their selections on Wednesday ahead of fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland.

The 23-year-old has scored twice in his first two Premier League appearances, impressing fans and coaches alike. However, according to reports, the French coaching staff considers it “too soon” to give him a place in the senior squad, especially with the World Cup approaching and France’s competitive group stage.

He has established a notable record at youth levels, netting five goals in five appearances for France’s Under-21 team, including a hat-trick against England. Despite his domestic success, senior team opportunities may need to wait.

Recently, Ekitike scored in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle, earning praise from manager Arne Slot, who highlighted his impact on the pitch. Slot emphasized Ekitike’s contributions, stating, “He’s scored three goals in three games and has genuinely made a difference in each match.”

While he is yet to debut for France’s senior team, his performances at club level and youth international success suggest a promising future, though a senior call-up will likely have to wait until the team needs him more.