Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is one of several strikers who have been linked with Manchester United this summer.
The clear priority at Manchester United is to add goals to Ruben Amorim’s side, and the £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha was only the start.
Talks are ongoing for Bryan Mbeumo and beyond that, Ineos will also want to add another out-and-out striker to lead the line.
Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on Arsenal while Victor Osimhen has decided to re-join Galatasaray. Both deals have narrowed down the striker search this summer.
United made contact with Hugo Ekitike this summer, and now transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has issued a new update.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates for Frankfurt.
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike eyes Premier League move this summer
Ekitike was a boyhood United fan, which explains why he is open to joining the Red Devils this summer despite there being no European football on offer in 2025/26.
However, his impressive form in the Bundesliga has also attracted interest from around Europe.
In his latest ‘Here We Go Podcast’ episode, Romano revealed that a move to the Premier League is still on the cards for Hugo Ekitike but Liverpool appear to be leading the race.
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“His future remains open. From what we’re hearing, the Premier League remains the most likely destination for Hugo Ekitike, who did fantastic last season,” Romano said.
“I would maintain Liverpool as one of the options as they have always had an interest in Ekitike, and let’s see what happens with Darwin Nunez.
“The timing of Darwin Nunez’s exit will be important to see what happens with Ekitike.
“There is also more interest from clubs in England, so I’m told the Ekitike story is quite open. It’s a race to follow in the coming weeks.”
£85m Hugo Ekitke asking price is too much for Man United
Romano insists the race is still open for Ekitike, which means United are still very much in with a chance of securing his signature.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it very clear that United’s finances are limited and with close to £130m put aside for Cunha and Mbeumo, affording Ekitike will prove difficult if not impossible.
Frankfurt want £85m for Ekitike this summer, which would make him an even more expensive option than the likes of Gyokeres or Osimhen.
READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike’s premium price has unique ‘reason’ behind it, Ruben Amorim and Man Utd warned over very ‘expensive’ tag
Romano says United won’t pay £85m for Ekitike this summer and that Ineos will only re-evaluate the deal if a development causes his asking price to drop.
It seems the 23-year-old could join a growing list of strikers that United have missed out on this summer, with arch-rivals Liverpool in pole position to sign him.