Hugo Ekitike takes REVENGE after 'second choice' manager insult

Hugo Ekitike was heavily criticised last week by Cameroon coach Marc Brys.

The Liverpool striker has got Cameroonian heritage and after being left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad it was speculated that the 23-year-old would throw his lot in with the Indomitable Lions.

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However their Belgian coach had no time for talk surrounding Ekitike - insisting Cameroon should be nobody’s second choice.

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“He put all his money into trying to play for France and he didn't succeed,” he spat. “And now we, Cameroon, are his second choice?

"I don't need to be a second choice. We have good players who play with heart. That's what I need.

“I don't need a star who thinks he can come to this country or another. He's a good player, that's not the point.

“In the situation I described, he doesn't deserve to come here.”

Ekitike's quick start at Liverpool

It was reckoned that the £69m frontman was nailed on for a place in Deschamps' squad - but the message from the World Cup winner was that Ekitike needed to keep trying.

That indicated that Ekitike wasn’t a million miles away from Deschamps’ thoughts - after a very successful start to life at Anfield.

He scored in his first three competitive games running - capably leading the line for Arne Slot’s side despite his recent arrival to the Premier League.

And now Ekitike’s patience has paid off.

France call up Ekitike

He will no longer be considered for Cameroon duty - because he has been added to the France squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The French FA confirmed on Sunday that owing to an injury blow suffered by Rayan Cherki, Ekitike would be drafted in as a replacement.

Les Bleus play against Ukraine and Iceland during the upcoming international window and Ekitike will be hopeful of matching his successful Liverpool start in international colours.

Ekitike's career going from strength to strength

Ekitike moved to Liverpool ahead of Newcastle during the summer transfer window - having previously been on the Reds’ radar back in 2022.

Back then he decided to join Paris Saint-Germain after leaving his boyhood club Reims.

Following a poor spell with PSG - where he struggled for game time - Ekitike moved initially on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt. That move was made permanent in 2024 - and another successful season led to a big-money move to Liverpool.

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