BREAKING: Manchester United have officially secured the £60 million signing of a South American star, with the player scheduled for a medical tomorrow and set to begin training this week—congratulations to the Red Devils fans.
United have received a boost in their chase for Hugo Ekitike as the French forward’s camp believes Eintracht Frankfurt might lower their steep £85 million asking price, according to reports.
Ekitike, 22, has become a primary target to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s attack after unsuccessful attempts to sign Liam Delap and prolonged talks over Viktor Gyokeres.
The France U21 international has had an impressive season in Germany, scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 times in 48 appearances for Frankfurt. However, it’s his overall play that has caught even more attention.
Standing nearly 6’3, Ekitike is a versatile forward who can drop deep to link play with his excellent technical skills or use his surprising pace to stretch defenses, despite his tall stature. His awareness on the field and football intelligence are top-notch, and at just 22, he still has significant room to develop.
In essence, Ekitike represents the modern forward, similar to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has dazzled the Premier League since his £63 million move from Real Sociedad in 2023.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also made moves to sign the Frenchman this summer, with Newcastle and Arsenal showing interest as well.
United have entered the race alongside these Premier League rivals, having made contact with Ekitike’s representatives about a move to Old Trafford. Reports from The Peoples Person indicate that United are the only club in direct discussions with Frankfurt.
The Bundesliga club insists on their €100 million (£85 million) valuation, especially after losing Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in January.
Such a high price makes a transfer to Manchester difficult, considering United’s financial limits this summer.
They have already agreed a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha and are negotiating for Bryan Mbeumo at a similar cost. Adding another £85 million for a striker would strain the budget, even with planned player sales.
However, according to TBR Football, Ekitike’s agents have informed interested clubs that Frankfurt might be open to lowering the price. The 22-year-old’s preference is to move to England, and he has been a lifelong United fan.
“TBR Football reports that Ekitike’s camp is signaling that a transfer fee below €100 million (£85 million) is possible. The player is keen to join the Premier League but only if the price drops.”
Although United have yet to start formal negotiations with Frankfurt, this hint of a reduced fee might have encouraged Old Trafford officials to speed up their pursuit of the French forward before their Premier League competitors do.
