Fabrizio Romano has warned Manchester United that Liverpool are now in contact for Rúben Amorim’s most realistic striker signing this summer.
Manchester United are planning to overhaul their attack this summer, following a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League due to persistent struggles in front of goal.
Bruno Fernandes was the 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 completed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and remain optimistic about finalising a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, Tottenham are said to be monitoring the deal for the Cameroon international in case United fail to reach an agreement with Brentford.
United are still in search of a new central striker. While Viktor Gyökeres was previously seen as a leading option, the Sporting CP forward now appears to be prioritising a move to Arsenal, prompting United to consider alternative targets.
United warned over Liverpool’s Ekitike contacts
Another striker that United have reportedly asked to be kept informed about is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who has had an “incredible” season in Germany.
The 22-year-old scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists across all competitions, cementing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young forward prospects.
Although Frankfurt have asked for £85 million for the Frenchman this summer, their chief’s admission that they would not stand in his way if he asked to leave and reports that they may accept a fee closer to £60 million make him Amorim’s most realistic striker signing from the players United have so far been extensively linked with.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has explained that Liverpool are in contact with the player’s agent as they look for a new striker this summer amid the possible departure of Darwin Nunez.
“Hugo Ekitike remains a candidate for Liverpool striker position, a player they appreciate, and I keep repeating to you that they are in contact with the agents of the players,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.
“It’s going to be, for sure, an interesting story to follow in this summer transfer window.”
United may head in a different direction for the striker position
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While Ekitike is undoubtedly a fantastic striker, United paying £60-85 million for the star is a major investment for Amorim’s club, and they may instead choose to head in a different direction.
United have also been linked with 24-year-old Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, who stands at a monstrous 6 feet and 6 inches tall and is available for around £20 million this summer.
Suppose the club were to pursue a less valuable striker who may score fewer goals than a bona fide talent like Ekitike. In that case, this might not be such a significant issue if the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo both pan out, as both players are excellent goal scorers.
This would allow the goal-scoring burden to be shared across the front line, and United would therefore have greater funding to sign a new midfielder, a position in desperate need of reinforcement.
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