One of Manchester United’s summer transfer targets has been told the only way possible to complete his dream move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United are set to undergo a significant revamp of their attacking lineup this summer, following a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them slump to 15th place in the Premier League; largely due to their lack of firepower up front.
Bruno Fernandes topped the club’s scoring charts with 19 goals, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad followed with 11 apiece. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player managed to reach double figures across all competitions.
The club has already wrapped up a deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are increasingly optimistic about securing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Despite those moves, United are still on the hunt for a proven centre-forward. One player drawing serious interest is Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker is firmly on their radar after an impressive campaign in Germany, where he netted 22 goals.
Ekitike told only way to complete United move
It has been revealed recently that United are in positive dialogue with Ekitike’s camp and have also spoken to Frankfurt about the details of a potential move.
However, it is obvious that the £85 million price tag is a major stumbling block for those interested and it has been explained that the only way United actually sign the striker is if his price is lowered.
Intermediaries have suggested that a deal can be done for less than his release clause, which is a positive sign for those at Old Trafford.
“Ekitike is a player of huge potential, and United are fully aware of him. When he was heading to PSG, they knew all about – Newcastle were the main protagonists in England, but United liked him too,” transfer insider Graeme Bailey told United In Focus.
“He is very similar to Kylian Mbappe, that is true and he is not a no 9 at all, he is not a Gyokeres, Osimhen or even a Liam Delap, but he is effective and some scouts firmly believe of all the young strikers around – he could be the best.
“But we already know Ruben Amorin wants a number 9 – is that Ekitike? Well it won’t be at €100m – that is for sure, I am told that nobody is buying that price tag if Frankfurt stand by that.
“However, intermediaries are telling United and others, that a deal can be done for less – which has seen talks take place.”
Ekitike being United fan puts Reds in strong position
It is no secret that Ekitike is a boyhood United fan, with the player having praised the likes of Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford on his social media accounts when he was younger.
Being a supporter does not guarantee that his preference would be the Reds – but it can be heavily impactful, as was the case in the deal for Matheus Cunha.
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At just 21 years of age, Ekitike is less likely to make his decision dependent on Champions League football too, and it could be a dream for him to play in United colours.
But as it was explained, the only way that can happen is if his valuation is lowered by Frankfurt and perhaps he could push that if he explained his preference to leave.
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