Will the Frenchman finally break the No.9 curse at Anfield?

Liverpool fans are buzzing with anticipation as Hugo Ekitike nears a blockbuster move to Anfield — a transfer that could reach £79 million. And with that price tag comes a wave of hope: could Ekitike become the next Fernando Torres?

It’s not just about scoring goals — it’s about becoming a true No.9, something Liverpool has struggled to secure for over a decade.

The Ghost of Torres

Ekitike’s playing style evokes memories of that unforgettable night on January 22, 2011. Fernando Torres, wearing the iconic No.9 shirt, scored twice against Wolves at Molineux. His first goal was textbook center-forward play: dropping deep to shake off a marker, linking up with a winger, and ghosting into the box to meet a low cross with a clinical finish. His second was a one-touch blast from close range. Final score: Wolves 0-3 Liverpool. Days later, Torres left for Chelsea in a £50 million move — a transfer that left a void Liverpool has never truly filled.

The Search for a Successor

Andy Carroll came in as a traditional target man, costing £35 million. Despite a few memorable goals — particularly against Everton — he was gone within 18 months.

Then came Iago Aspas, who barely got minutes and scored just once (against Oldham in the FA Cup). Rickie Lambert, a boyhood Red, failed to make an impact. Christian Benteke? A big signing from Aston Villa, but Brendan Rodgers’ style didn’t suit him, and Klopp didn’t see him as part of the plan.

Firmino inherited the No.9 shirt but rewrote the role entirely. He became the “false 9” — a playmaker more than a finisher. For all his brilliance, he wasn’t the kind of striker whose job was to bury chances.

And then Darwin Núñez arrived with the weight of an £85 million fee and the No.9 shirt. He showed flashes but lacked the consistency and composure to be the frontman Anfield needed. His future is uncertain, and the shirt may soon be available again.

The Ekitike Equation

Hugo Ekitike arrives as the latest in a long line of No.9 hopefuls. Though he played wide at Reims and PSG, he’s been operating centrally at Eintracht Frankfurt — and with great success. Fifteen Bundesliga goals in 2024/25 show a player growing into his role, often lurking just behind defenders and bursting into space — a style that mirrors Torres at his best.

Arne Slot’s system has favored fluid attacking rotations. Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League without a fixed striker, rotating Jota, Núñez, and Luis Díaz. But spending over £80 million on a forward implies one thing: goals will be the benchmark.

Whether Ekitike gets the No.9 shirt remains to be seen — it depends on Núñez’s future. Since Torres, only Firmino has thrived wearing it. Even Rickie Lambert once admitted that the pressure of that number weighed heavily on his shoulders. He grew up idolizing Ian Rush, a true poacher, and felt conflicted seeing Firmino wear No.9 as a creator more than a finisher.

Not Another Firmino

But Ekitike isn’t Firmino. He’s lean, rapid, instinctive — a striker who lives for the space behind defenders. A player who demands to be judged in moments of isolation with the goalkeeper, where instinct meets execution.

He might not be a Liverpool legend yet, but the comparisons to Torres aren’t just wishful thinking. They’re a reminder of what Anfield expects from its No.9s.

And now, the stage is set for Hugo Ekitike to break the cycle — or become the latest name in a long list of what-ifs.