When Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike steps out to face his former club Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, he’ll encounter a side that looks very different from the one he left behind in July.

Last season, Frankfurt made history by finishing in the Bundesliga’s top four for the first time, earning their second-ever appearance in the Champions League. Their third-place finish was the club’s best since the 1992/93 campaign — a remarkable achievement that seemed to signal a new era for the Eagles.

This season, however, has been far less stable. Frankfurt have struggled for consistency, recording just one win in their past five matches across all competitions while conceding 18 goals in that stretch.

That porous defence will no doubt attract the attention of Liverpool’s attack, which itself has been out of sorts during the club’s four-game losing streak in Europe. Both sides enter the contest desperate for a spark.

Ekitike’s Impact and Frankfurt’s Transfer Cycle

Ekitike knows Frankfurt’s struggles well — and perhaps better than most. The French forward was the club’s talisman last season, stepping up after Omar Marmoush’s January move to Manchester City. In all competitions, Ekitike racked up 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest attacking talents.

Yet, as has become a pattern for Frankfurt, success on the pitch was followed by major departures. The club’s transfer model has yielded significant profits, with Ekitike joining a list of stars sold for large sums, including Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jović, Sébastien Haller, and Willian Pacho. Since 2020, those sales have reportedly brought in around €418 million.

Liverpool secured Ekitike’s signature for a reported £69 million this summer, hoping his pace and composure would add a new dimension to their forward line. So far, the 23-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating season, netting five goals in 11 appearances.

Frankfurt’s Chaos and Promise

For Frankfurt, the cycle of rebuilding continues. Their young and adventurous squad has shown flashes of brilliance but also moments of defensive chaos. After an electrifying 5–1 win over Galatasaray in their Champions League opener, they were humbled by the same scoreline at Atlético Madrid.

Domestically, Dino Toppmöller’s side sit seventh in the Bundesliga after seven matches, with a record of three wins, three defeats, and one draw. They’ve scored more goals than any team apart from Bayern Munich — but they’ve also conceded the most.

A Chance for Revival

Wednesday’s match offers both clubs a potential turning point. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to rediscover confidence after a poor run on the continent. For Frankfurt, it’s an opportunity to steady their campaign and reignite belief at home.

New signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have yet to make their mark for Liverpool, with both still searching for their first goals or assists in Europe or the Premier League. Ekitike, by contrast, has settled quickly — and will be eager to prove a point against his old teammates.

Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung believes the clash could be exactly what his side needs.

“It will be a completely different game,” Hardung told the club’s website. “Starting Monday, things move forward again. Liverpool. Champions League. There’s nothing better in football. I’m incredibly excited about it.”