‘There is some optimism’: Ornstein shares what he’s been hearing about United’s pursuit of ‘special’ 22-/yo

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·19 Juni 2025

‘There is some optimism’: Ornstein shares what he’s been hearing about United’s pursuit of ‘special’ 22-/yo

David Ornstein has provided the Manchester United faithful with some clarity over the club’s current transfer dealings.

With Matheus Cunha already through the door and talks underway to add Bryan Mbeumo to Ruben Amorim’s ranks, fans are now pondering whom INEOS will target next.

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As per numerous outlets, including Ornstein, the Red Devils are among a host of Premier League clubs sizing up a move for Hugo Ekitike.

Reds join arch-rivals in Hugo Ekitike race

The Reims graduate has five goals in as many games for France U21s. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The Eintracht Frankfurt starlet is expected to be on the move this summer after reports claimed he had informed the board of his desire to leave, meaning he could pull the curtains on his tenure in Germany just over 12 months on from becoming a permanent member of their squad.

He initially joined Frankfurt on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last February following an uneventful year at the Parc des Princes. Two months into his spell, Ekitike’s £14.1 million buy clause was activated, and he put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

His first full season with Die Adler has been a prevailing success; the Frenchman notched 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, making it no surprise he’s caught the eyes of scouts at United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Ornstein: Ekitike transfer fee not set in stone

Where Ekitike will be playing his football by the time 2025/2026 gets underway is the question on everyone’s lips. One thing’s for sure, Amorim certainly wouldn’t turn him down.

Ornstein has revealed that the ‘special’ 22-year-old could also leave for a lower fee than recent speculation suggests. Frankfurt value him in the region of £80-85m, but may consider an offer similar to what they accepted for Omar Marmoush in January: £63m.

“When you speak with English clubs, they think they could pry Ekitike away for a bit lower [than £85M]. Maybe if a club got to £80M with some add-ons or whatever, I don’t know how they would structure it,” said the transfer expert on The Athletic podcast, released on Wednesday.

“But there is some optimism that it’s not quite as high ultimately as Eintracht Frankfurt are letting it be known.”