Manchester United have been given a fresh boost in their pursuit of French striker Hugo Ekitike, following reports that the player’s representatives now believe Eintracht Frankfurt could be willing to reduce their initial £85 million valuation.
This development could potentially open the door for United, who are actively looking to strengthen their attacking options under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Ekitike, who is only 22 years old, has become one of the top targets for United this summer after their unsuccessful attempts to sign Liam Delap and drawn-out negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres.
The young Frenchman had a sensational season in the Bundesliga, notching up 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for Frankfurt.
While those numbers are impressive on their own, it is his overall contribution on the field that has drawn admiration from scouts and fans alike.
With a towering height of nearly 6’3”, Ekitike possesses the physicality of a traditional number nine, but what makes him stand out is his agility, technical finesse, and football intelligence.
He can drop deep to link play, stretch defenders with his pace, and operate with excellent positional awareness — traits that make him a perfect fit for the modern game.
Many have compared him to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has been outstanding in the Premier League since his high-profile transfer in 2023.
Several Premier League sides are also monitoring Ekitike’s situation, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle showing interest.
However, Manchester United appear to be ahead of the pack, as they are reportedly the only club to have held direct conversations with Frankfurt, in addition to already speaking with the player’s camp.
That said, the German club are holding firm on their €100 million (£85m) price tag, especially after parting ways with Omar Marmoush earlier in the year. For United, matching such a fee is currently unrealistic.
They have already committed £62.5 million for Matheus Cunha and are engaged in negotiations with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to cost a similar amount.
Despite this financial constraint, a glimmer of hope remains. Ekitike’s representatives have indicated that Frankfurt might be willing to reduce their demands.
The striker is also reportedly eager to move to England and is said to have supported Manchester United as a boy.
This openness could encourage United to act fast before other top clubs step up their pursuit.
While no official deal or medical has taken place yet, and no agreement has been reached between the clubs, the possibility of securing Ekitike for a more manageable fee has clearly caught the attention of decision-makers at Old Trafford.
