Man Utd plot move for striker as Frankfurt prepare for bids | OneFootball

Report: Manchester United Hold Edge in Hugo Ekitike Transfer Race as Premier League Clubs Circle

Frankfurt braced for offers as Premier League interest grows

In the increasingly complex theatre of the transfer market, the pursuit of Hugo Ekitike offers a curious case of timing, finance, and childhood allegiance. Eintracht Frankfurt, who landed the 22-year-old on loan from PSG before making the move permanent, are now preparing for another high-stakes negotiation—this time with England’s elite.

The Mirror reports that Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal have all made initial enquiries about the France U21 striker, who recently hit a hat-trick against England’s U21s in a game that did as much for his valuation as any carefully polished agent pitch.

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Frankfurt, never shy when it comes to holding firm, are likely to demand upwards of £60 million, particularly given PSG’s 20 per cent sell-on clause. With Ekitike now boasting 19 goals and eight assists across all competitions this season, the Bundesliga side will want their pound of flesh.

Manchester United’s unexpected upper hand

Of the Premier League suitors, Manchester United are uniquely placed. Not necessarily in terms of finance—Old Trafford’s purse strings remain as complicated as ever—but in sentiment.

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Ekitike is reportedly a boyhood fan of the Red Devils. In a sport where nostalgia rarely outmuscles logic, that might seem insignificant. But in a competitive market, every advantage counts.

United are likely to need attacking reinforcements this summer. With Marcus Rashford expected to depart and Rasmus Højlund still in development, Ekitike could offer pace, movement and cutting edge in the final third—qualities that have too often been lacking under Ruben Amorim this season.

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Competition intensifies across Premier League

The competition, however, is far from sympathetic. Liverpool and Arsenal, both exploring striker options, are keeping tabs. Newcastle, too, remain interested, though their focus may depend on Alexander Isak’s future. If the Swede departs, a move for Ekitike could be revived.

Wesley Sneijder’s glowing endorsement during Ziggo Sport’s Europa League coverage only adds to the intrigue:

That kind of talk, while eyebrow-raising, feeds into the broader narrative: Ekitike isn’t just a player in form—he’s a player on the brink of stardom.

Frankfurt set for another summer of leverage

Frankfurt know the game well. They’ve seen this before. As they did with Omar Marmoush in January, they’ll drag negotiations to the wire, confident that someone—eventually—will meet their price. And with clubs scrambling for the next breakout star, Ekitike’s name is rising to the top of shortlists everywhere.

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For United, the challenge now lies in converting nostalgic affinity into something tangible. Ekitike wants to play in England. The question is whether United can act decisively enough—financially and strategically—to make that happen.

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Hugo Ekitike isn’t just numbers and scouting reports—he’s style, swagger, and raw potential. Watching his hat-trick for France U21s against England, you get the sense he’s made for a bigger stage. Fast, fluid, and fearless—exactly the kind of attacking profile United have lacked.

Yes, the financial situation is tricky. United can’t throw £60 million around as freely as they once could. But in a market inflated by potential rather than proven output, Ekitike stands out as a high-upside gamble that could pay off handsomely.

What’s most appealing for fans is the fit. He’s not a traditional No. 9, nor a pure winger. He operates in those spaces in between, drifting, dragging defenders, stretching backlines. It’s the kind of movement United’s forward line has often lacked—especially when the system bogs down in predictability.

The added bonus? He wants to be here. That matters. In an era when loyalty is fleeting and club allegiance a PR line, having a player who grew up dreaming of Old Trafford adds a layer of intangible value.

Of course, nothing is done yet. And with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle in the frame, this won’t be a smooth ride. But if United can act with conviction—and give Ekitike the belief that he’s central to the project—then this could be one of the standout moves of the summer.

He’s 22, he’s hungry, and he’s on the rise. And perhaps, just perhaps, he’s destined for Stretford End stardom.