Hugo Ekitike Receives Temporary Liverpool Squad Number - What's Behind This Move?

Liverpool's transfer expenditure this summer has nearly touched the £300 million ($406 million) threshold with the recent acquisition of forward Hugo Ekitiké.

The Merseyside club was determined to strengthen their attacking options up front. Following brief negotiations with Alexander Isak—a potential deal that remains possible, Liverpool invested £79 million ($106.9 million) to secure Ekitiké's services.

The 23-year-old forward delivered outstanding performances for Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2024–25 campaign and will now get his chance to demonstrate his abilities in England's top flight. Liverpool fans are anxious to see their new signing in action, potentially during Saturday's pre-season match against AC Milan.

Nevertheless, Ekitiké will sport a provisional jersey number should he feature in his first unofficial appearance against the Italian side this weekend.

What is Hugo Ekitiké's Temporary Squad Number?

Liverpool have officially announced that Ekitiké will don the No.54 jersey throughout their current Asian pre-season campaign, with his official shirt number to be "announced shortly".

The forward isn't the only player sporting a provisional number, as all of Liverpool's summer acquisitions are wearing unconventional jersey numbers. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman and Ármin Pécsi are still awaiting confirmation of their official shirts.

Throughout Liverpool's pre-season campaign, their new recruits will sport the following numbers:

Ekitiké has numerous options available at Anfield, with the No. 6, 12, 13, 15, 16, 23, 24 and 25 all currently unoccupied. The striker may also desire the No. 9 presently held by Darwin Núñez, which could become available if the Uruguayan leaves the club.

Liverpool have permanently retired the No. 20 jersey following the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota.

Why Have Liverpool Signings Been Given Temporary Numbers?

Liverpool haven't allocated permanent numbers to new players because they are awaiting their new kit partnership with adidas to begin.

The club has been partnered with Nike since 2020–21 but will officially switch back to adidas on August 1, when their new uniforms will be unveiled for the forthcoming 2025–26 season.

New signings will subsequently receive their official squad numbers, though they may need to compete amongst themselves for their desired choices.