To say INEOS have their work cut out this summer is an understatement. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Chelsea and Liverpool have emerged as contenders in the race for Manchester United-linked Hugo Ekitike’s signature.
Indeed, the Eintracht Frankfurt frontman has already informed the club of his desire to leave this summer, just over 12 months after he became a permanent member of the squad – and he won’t be short of suitors when the window opens.
Originally a product of Reims’ academy, Ekitike made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain on loan in July 2022, with a £29.3 million buy clause included in the terms.
He was utilised sparingly at the Parc des Princes, resulting in him being sent on another loan to Frankfurt in February 2024. Just a month into his half-season spell, the Bundesliga outfit opted to activate his £13.8m option and subsequently tied him down to a five-year deal.
Now, across his one-and-a-half seasons with Frankfurt, Ekitike has scored 26 goals and contributed a further 14 assists in 64 appearances, making it no surprise he’s been dubbed ‘one of Europe’s hottest prospects’.
United’s interest in Hugo Ekitike: The state of play
Reports of United’s interest in the France U21 international first arose back in March, with Sky Sports revealing he was on a four-man forward shortlist along with Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. Now that the Reds have failed to secure Champions League qualification, deals for any target will be considerably harder to come by.
They are, as of late, seemingly prioritising Premier League-proven talents. It was confirmed on Sunday that an agreement had finally been reached to sign Matheus Cunha, while Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo have all been heavily linked with Old Trafford moves.
Ekitike has options in the Premier League
In regards to United’s Ekitike pursuit, they would have to contend with arch-rivals Liverpool and Chelsea, both of whom boast UCL spots for 2025/2026.
Ruben Amorim asserted today that the side’s lack of European football allows for him to work with a trimmed-down squad, so it remains to be seen if INEOS would deem Ekitike a necessary purchase.
