Manchester United yet to make progress on Hugo Ekitike deal
Hugo Ekitike remains one of the most talked-about names in the transfer market. The young French striker, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, has attracted constant interest from several European giants.
According to Christian Falk in CaughtOffside, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United continue to monitor him closely. However, the journalist clarifies that there is no completely new update on Ekitike. Eintracht are still asking for €100 million, but it is questionable whether they will get that amount.
Falk adds that the only club that have formally spoken to the German team is Manchester United, although there are still no negotiations or concrete offers. Liverpool could make a move if they manage to sell Darwin Núñez.
How would Hugo Ekitike’s playing style enhance Manchester United’s attacking options under Ruben Amorim?
“There is no completely new update on Hugo Ekitiké. Eintracht continue to insist on €100m, but it is questionable whether they will get it. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United still have him on their radar. Liverpool could make a move once they have sold Darwin Nunez. United are the only club to have spoken to Eintracht about Ekitiké so far. There have been no negotiations or even an offer as things currently stand.”
Manchester United’s interest in Hugo Ekitike reflects a commitment to youth and a different offensive profile. Although his price tag is high, the club’s initial moves show that they at least want to keep the door open, perhaps hoping that conditions will change or that the player will push to leave. It is not a closed case, but it deserves attention.
That said, should Manchester United make Ekitike a priority despite Eintracht’s £100 million asking price? In a summer where the club need precision rather than spending, the answer is not so simple. Ekitike is 22 years old, physically not that big, but mobile, with good movement and the ability to read the tempo of the game.
The Frenchman is not a classic number nine like Rasmus Højlund, but he can complement a system that requires fluidity up front. Ruben Amorim values attackers who can drop out wide, combine and, above all, press high up the pitch.
Ekitike fits that role in part, although his finishing still needs work. He is not powerful in one-on-one situations, which can limit him in tight games. But Ekitike’s intuition in the box is real, and so is his room for improvement.
Compared to other available strikers, such as Viktor Gyökeres or Ivan Toney, Ekitike offers more potential but less immediate solidity. Toney is a more complete number nine, although with a lower potential in future. Gyökeres has physical power but perhaps less technical finesse. Ekitike, on the other hand, possesses mobility with instinct, although he still lacks consistency.
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For a coach like Amorim, who demands versatility, he could be a valuable signing if the price drops. However, paying £100 million for a striker who has yet to prove himself at the highest level would be imprudent.
Negotiating without a clear offer, while other clubs test the waters, could be risky. United must decide soon whether they really want him or are just watching. Because if they wait too long, others could get there first. Meanwhile, Manchester United offer £60m to secure Cunha’s attacking partner next season.