Liverpool scouts first started to notice Hugo Ekitike during his time at Reims in the 2021-22 season, when he emerged as a promising talent in Ligue 1. Their interest was documented as early as 2022, with the club’s data-driven scouting team tracking his performances due to his goal-scoring ability and versatility. However, more focused monitoring began in early 2024, when Ekitike joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. By March 2025, Liverpool scouts were closely observing him, particularly after his hat-trick for France U21s against England, as reported by the Daily Mail. This marked a significant escalation in their interest, with consistent scouting reports highlighting his potential fit for Liverpool’s attacking system.