Manchester United Open Talks with Ekitike as Amorim Pushes for Firepower at Old Trafford

Manchester United have begun formal discussions with the representatives of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as new boss Ruben Amorim steps up efforts to fix the club’s blunt frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga last term, is now a top attacking target after United missed out on multiple forward options.

Ruben Amorim, appointed United manager in May 2025, has made attacking reinforcements a priority after the Red Devils finished last season with just 44 league goals—the third-lowest in the Premier League. Only relegated Ipswich, Leicester, and struggling Everton scored fewer. Amorim is demanding a proven finisher to lead his new project at Old Trafford.

Hugo Ekitike, once labeled the “next Mbappe,” resurrected his career in Germany after a frustrating spell at Paris Saint-Germain. His 2024/25 season at Frankfurt saw him finish among the Bundesliga’s top ten scorers, attracting interest fromrsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea—all of whom are closely monitoring developments around his availability.

Manchester United’s move comes after missing out on rising star Liam Delap, who opted for Chelsea despite serious interest from Amorim’s camp. Meanwhile, another top target—Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres—is believed to prefer a switch to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, leaving Amorim forced to cast his net wider.

Ekitike’s contract with Frankfurt runs until 2028, and while the German club value him at around €45 million, United believe an offer in the region of €38–€40 million could trigger negotiations. The striker is said to be open to Premier League football and excited by the idea of leading the line at Old Trafford.

Talks are ongoing between United’s recruitment team and Ekitike’s agents, with early signals suggesting that the player is willing to be part of Amorim’s rebuilding phase. Sources close to the deal indicate that United want to conclude discussions before their pre-season tour begins in late July.

Beyond Ekitike, United remain in the race for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but Amorim reportedly sees the Frenchman as a better fit for his system due to his speed, link-up play, and age profile. As the Red Devils gear up for a major summer overhaul, fans are watching closely to see who will spearhead their next attacking era.