Eintracht Frankfurt have been hit with a blow surrounding star striker Hugo Ekitike that could see Manchester United swoop in and sign him.
Manchester United are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals proving to be a key weakness throughout the season.
Bruno Fernandes finished as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, followed by Alejandro Garnacho and Amad with 11 each. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player managed to reach double figures in any competition.
The club have already confirmed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are optimistic about securing a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, although Tottenham are attempting to hijack the move for the Cameroon international.
United are also continuing their search for a central striker. While Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres was initially a leading target, the Swedish forward has indicated a preference for joining Arsenal, prompting United to explore alternative options in the market.
Frankfurt may have to lower Ekitike’s asking price
With Gyökeres off the table now as he aims to sign for Arsenal, United have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists last season, cementing himself as a fantastic young talent.
United have made contact with the representatives of Hugo Ekitike as they explore potential striker options for the summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The club held talks in recent days to better understand the French forward’s situation, with Eintracht Frankfurt open to a sale at the right price.
Chelsea also registered interest last week, initiating discussions with both Ekitike’s agents and Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the Bundesliga club’s £85 million asking price has so far proved a major stumbling block, and there have been no fresh talks this week.
As it stands, Chelsea are not willing to meet that valuation but could return to the table if the price drops later in the window. Other reports have detailed that United hold a similar position, stating that they will only make a bid for him if the demands are lowered.
Romano further revealed that Liverpool are another club monitoring Ekitike’s situation. Their level of involvement could depend on the future of Darwin Núñez, who is attracting interest from Napoli, La Liga sides, and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Should Núñez leave, Liverpool may step up their pursuit, though, like Chelsea, any serious move is likely to hinge on Frankfurt lowering their demands.
United would be in the lead if Frankfurt lowered their demands
It is becoming increasingly clear that no club is willing to meet Frankfurt’s £85 million transfer demands, which is a boost for United as the German club may reduce their asking price, especially if Ekitike pushes for a move.
While Chelsea and Liverpool are both very attractive destinations for the French U21 international, there is reason to believe that United would have the upper hand.
Despite not having Champions League football on offer next season, United could. be able to swoop in and grab Ekitike this summer, as he has been very public with his love for the club, and especially Marcus Rashford.
Amorim is looking for a more experienced striker to lead the line for United next season, but should the club secure Mbeumo alongside Cunha, the goalscoring burden of whoever is upfront is lifted slightly, which could make room for Ekitike to grow into a deadly force at Old Trafford.
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