Ekitike debuts with goal for Liverpool

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike marks his debut with a goal in the Community Shield, sending a message amid transfer talk.

Ekitike celebration signals intent after Liverpool debut against Crystal Palace

Hugo Ekitike scored on his Liverpool debut as the Reds beat Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley. Florian Wirtz supplied the assist and Ekitike finished low past Dean Henderson to put Liverpool in front in the first half. The 23-year-old’s move from Germany is worth £79 million, making his competitive bow a high-profile start for the new-look forward line.

The celebration drew attention for a gesture that pundits linked to the ongoing talk around Alexander Isak. Ismaila Sarr won a late penalty for Palace, but Alisson Becker saved Mateta’s spot kick as Liverpool regrouped and Jeremie Frimpong added a late goal from a cross-cum-shot to seal a lively affair.

The match served as a stage for Liverpool’s summer business to begin paying off on the field. Ekitike looks to be a central piece in a forward line refreshed by Wirtz and others, signaling intent to the league and to rivals. The reaction to his celebration underscores how transfer chatter can follow players into early impressions, and how managers and fans weigh early signs of chemistry alongside a hefty price tag. The result also shows Klopp-style resilience, with a second-departure equalizer early in the season reminding observers that trophies still hinge on more than a single moment of brilliance.

Highlights

The season will test how quickly new signings settle and how Liverpool balance ambition with squad harmony.