Manchester United are in the race to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, according to various foreign media outlets. Reportedly, the Mancunians are competing with Liverpool and Chelsea for the signature of the 22-year-old Frenchman.
Manchester United have reportedly begun preliminary discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential summer move for Hugo Ekitike, marking the club’s latest step in what appears to be a recalibrated transfer strategy under the guidance of new manager Rúben Amorim.
According to several sources, including Sky Sports Germany, United are exploring a deal for the 22-year-old French striker as an alternative to more expensive targets, particularly Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP, whose price tag could exceed €100–120 million due to a release clause and Sporting’s unwillingness to negotiate below it.
While Eintracht Frankfurt are also said to value Ekitike highly reportedly around the €100 million mark as well United believe there is greater flexibility in the negotiations and a potential willingness from the Bundesliga club to lower demands in the face of concrete Premier League interest. The Red Devils' early contact has been described as “positive but non-committal,” with both clubs still some distance apart in valuation, but with mutual openness to continuing talks in the coming weeks.
Ekitike joined Eintracht on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in January before making the move permanent, and his impact has been significant. In just under half a season, the forward tallied 22 goals across all competitions demonstrating not only a natural eye for goal but also an adaptability to different tactical systems. Particularly impressive were his performances in the knockout rounds of the Europa League, where he played a key role in Frankfurt’s progression. His goal against Ajax in the Round of 16 a composed finish following a swift counter-attack underlined his composure in big moments, and scouts from several Premier League sides have been tracking him closely since.
Manchester United’s interest must also be seen in the context of their ongoing rebuild under Amorim, who is expected to bring a new tactical identity to Old Trafford, potentially including a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system similar to what he employed at Sporting. Ekitike’s mobility, versatility to play across the front line, and ability to press from the front align well with Amorim’s preferred style. Moreover, the club’s technical director Dan Ashworth who is expected to officially begin work shortly after finalizing his move from Newcastle has reportedly endorsed the idea of targeting younger, high-upside players who could develop into world-class assets rather than pursuing established superstars at inflated prices.
In addition to United, both Liverpool and Chelsea are monitoring Ekitike’s situation. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are also looking for a young forward who can grow alongside their developing squad, while Liverpool see him as a potential future option depending on how their attacking rotation shapes up under new head coach Arne Slot. For now, however, United appear to have taken the most concrete steps, and Amorim’s Portuguese connections in European football may give the club an edge in player persuasion and negotiations.
Should Ekitike choose Manchester United, he would become the second marquee signing of the Rúben Amorim era, following the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of €45 million. That signing, too, reflects United’s shift toward acquiring players with tactical flexibility and peak-age profiles. Cunha is expected to operate either as a secondary striker or attacking midfielder, while Ekitike would offer a more traditional number 9 option though capable of drifting wide and dropping deep when needed.
Sources close to Ekitike’s camp have reportedly suggested that the player is intrigued by the possibility of playing in the Premier League, especially under a young coach like Amorim who values attacking flair and development. However, no personal terms have been agreed, and discussions between the clubs remain at an early stage. Any formal bid from United is likely to come later in the window, once clarity is reached on potential outgoings such as Anthony Martial, whose contract is expiring, and Jadon Sancho, who is likely to leave after falling out of favor.
For Eintracht, losing Ekitike would be a blow, especially after his rapid rise since joining the club, but insiders suggest they are already preparing for his departure and have identified replacements in both Ligue 1 and the Eredivisie. The German club has a strong recent record of developing and selling attacking talents, including Luka Jović, Randal Kolo Muani, and Jesper Lindström, and would look to reinvest the funds wisely to remain competitive in the Bundesliga and Europe.
As the transfer window begins to heat up, Hugo Ekitike’s name is set to feature prominently in headlines. Whether United can close the deal remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the club’s approach has become more strategic, more deliberate, and more attuned to long-term squad building under Amorim’s vision.
