Since his high-profile transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, Liverpool’s summer signing Ekitike has made an impressive impact on the pitch. Alongside his emerging prowess, the French forward has experienced some light-hearted teasing from his compatriot, defender Ibrahima Konate. During a post-training session at the AXA Training Centre, Konate humorously challenged Ekitike to assess the young striker’s mentality and work ethic. Ekitike, who joined Arne Slot’s revamped Liverpool squad for a deal potentially worth £79 million ($105 million), has emerged as a vital attacking asset this season. With six goals and one assist in 16 appearances across various competitions, he has played a crucial role in keeping Liverpool competitive at the top of the table despite some struggles. Aware of the responsibilities that come with representing both Liverpool and France, Konate aimed to instill a sense of motivation in Ekitike through a straightforward yet impactful message. The playful exchange took place shortly before the international break, as both players prepared to join the French national squad. Following an intense training session, Ekitike appeared fatigued, prompting Konate’s light-hearted challenge, which showcased the camaraderie developing between the two players in the Liverpool dressing room. In an interview with Canal+, Konate recounted the amusing yet motivational moment: “Once, I gave him a bit of a hard time, but it was funny. After a challenging training session, we were supposed to hit the gym. Ekitike looked exhausted and said, ‘I’m knocked out, I’m dead.'” Konate continued, “In reality, we didn’t have to go to the gym, but I encouraged him, saying, ‘Do you want to go to the French national team or not?’ A minute later, he was in the gym.” He added with a smile, “Although it was a humorous anecdote, Ekitike quickly grasped the expectations. He is diligent in his work, and I have no doubt he will progress.” Ekitike’s transfer in July 2025 was one of the summer’s major headlines, having turned down late interest from Manchester United to sign a six-year contract with Liverpool. The 23-year-old made a remarkable debut in the Premier League against Bournemouth, quickly establishing himself as Slot’s preferred No. 9, surpassing the £125 million signing Alexander Isak, who faced pre-season fitness challenges. Ekitike’s physicality, movement, and intelligent link-up play have made him a seamless fit within Slot’s pressing system. His performances have also caught the attention of France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, who called him up for his first senior international appearance in August. Since then, Ekitike has featured in four matches for Les Bleus and is striving to secure a regular spot in the squad ahead of next year’s World Cup. Both Konate and Ekitike are anticipated to play pivotal roles in the coming months as Slot continues to develop his vision for Liverpool. The competition between Ekitike and Isak for the starting striker position is expected to intensify as the season unfolds, with Slot keen to discover a tactical setup that allows both players to excel. In contrast, Konate’s situation remains more complex. The 25-year-old defender’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and reports indicate that negotiations for a renewal have stalled. With clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich monitoring the situation, Liverpool finds itself at a crossroads over whether to meet his salary demands or risk losing him for free next year. Post navigation Atlanta Set to Join NWSL: Expansion Talks Advance
