Manchester United have found an alternative for Viktor Gyokeres, with Rúben Amorim looking to snatch the £70 million star from Liverpool’s transfer list this summer.
Manchester United are looking for a new striker this summer after Ramus Hojlund’s poor season in front of goal and Joshua Zirkzee, perhaps playing his best football when behind the centre forward.
Several fans have called for Chido Obi to be given more minutes, but at just 17 years old, he won’t be ready to start every game in the Premier League next season, instead he is likely to be given opportunities in cup competitions, especially in the first round of the EFL Cup, that United have to play in with no European football.
Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell have had their eye on multiple targets for this summer, with Matheus Cunha almost completed already, but he is expected to play as the left-sided attacking midfielder, rather than as a striker.
Liam Delap is another name that United appear to have been in advanced talks with, but he could be set for a move to Chelsea, reuniting with former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca.
Viktor Gyokeres also appeared to be an option for Rúben Amorim, but Sky Germany have reported that a deal is “almost off the table” with United missing out on Champions League football.
United to challenge Liverpool for Ekitike
A new option appears to have reared its head for United, with Caught Offside saying that Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is an option for Amorim, along with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Out of all the clubs involved, United are reportedly the most advanced in terms of the deal for Ekitike; they are said to be planning an internal bid soon.
While Arsenal have made contact with the Frenchman’s agents, United are said to be facing their biggest competition from Liverpool, who are looking to replace Darwin Nunez with Ekitike.
Frankfurt haven’t yet ruled out a sale for the 22-year-old, but they will demand a high fee for his services, as they look to keep him for the 2025/26 season.
Premier League sides are said to be looking for a transfer for around £50 million, but Frankfurt are looking for offers for approximately £70 million if they are forced to sell.
Sales are crucial this summer
While Amorim will be looking to bring several of his own players to improve United, selling United’s high-wage players could be more important for the future of the Red Devils.
Without European football, the current squad will be far too big for everyone to play valuable minutes, and United must instead look to field their strongest team in the league on almost every occasion to reach at least the Europa League next season.
Several players on high wages, such as Casemiro and Luke Shaw, are unlikely to be part of Amorim’s long-term rebuild at United due to their age and the importance of establishing a wage structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.
Therefore, they should be moved on to make space for exciting players, including new signings like Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, as well as academy players like Sekou Kone and Bendito Mantato.
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