Manchester United have left themselves with a major dilemma after choosing to enter discussions over what it would take to land Hugo Ekitike even though the Eintracht Frankfurt star does not match the profile of centre forward they were initially aiming to lure to Old Trafford, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils missed out on European qualification and silverware during the 2024/25 campaign, resulting in head coach Ruben Amorim and members of the recruitment department moving quickly to complete the £62.5million acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Premier League counterparts Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But Manchester United have been frustrated in their efforts to secure a new first-choice marksman, with Liam Delap choosing to join Chelsea in a £30million switch from Ipswich Town despite having interest from Old Trafford, resulting in alternative options being pinpointed in the search for fresh firepower.
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Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
Manchester United have held initial talks over a deal for Ekitike, according to GMS sources, but they are weighing up whether to take their interest any further as influential figures behind the scenes have fears that he would be a risky signing due to his hefty price tag at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Bundesliga heavyweights are desperate to avoid a situation where key men embark on a fresh challenge during the newly-reopened summer transfer window after clinching Champions League qualification, resulting in them demanding in the region of £85million for their fan favourite.
GMS sources have been informed that Amorim has been determined to secure a proven goalscorer capable of immediately making Manchester United more of an attacking force, but board members ignored his demands and entered conversations over Ekitike despite it being accepted that there may be better-suited options on the market.
Hugo Ekitike's statistics for Eintracht Frankfurt this season
Although Chelsea were keen to recruit the five-cap France under-21 international ahead of their participation in the Club World Cup, they were unable to reach an agreement and that has left the door ajar for the Red Devils and other admirers to pounce as preparations are made for next term.
Manchester United are adamant that Sporting frontman Viktor Gyokeres and out-of-favour Napoli man Victor Osimhen have much more experience than Ekitike, GMS sources have learned, leading to both being identified as targets who are less of a gamble as they continue assessing the market.
Ekitike Pursuit Complicated By Internal Fears
Marksman not seen as good value for money in current market
Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United have concerns over whether Ekitike's attributes and pedigree fully align with the type of reliable goalscorer Amorim has been pushing for, while there are additional fears that he does not represent good value for money thanks to Eintracht Frankfurt's valuation.
The Red Devils' doubts have emerged despite the 22-year-old being described as 'Europe's most elegant striker', thanks to taking his career to another level since heading to Germany, and they have left themselves with a crucial decision after deciding to make contact over his availability as they seek an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Ekitike is regarded by Manchester United as a talent with significant promise, GMS sources understand, but their pursuit is complicated by the finances a deal would entail and the fact that he does not have any Premier League experience or fit the profile Amorim has been keen to acquire.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Red Devils may have to lower their demands for Alejandro Garnacho by more than £20million due to no suitors being prepared to meet their valuation, which will not help matters as they attempt to seal the arrival of a big-name goal-getter during the remainder of the summer transfer window.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/06/2025
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