Manchester United appear to be making progress in their pursuit of French striker Hugo Ekitike, as new developments suggest a potential shift in the negotiating stance of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Reports indicate that the 22-year-old forward’s representatives are optimistic that the German club will reconsider their initial £85 million asking price, potentially opening the door for a deal that fits United’s current budget constraints.
Ekitike has become a key focus for manager Ruben Amorim, especially after the club’s unsuccessful efforts to sign Liam Delap and their lengthy negotiations over Viktor Gyökeres.
The French forward, who represents the France U21 national team, had an outstanding season in the Bundesliga, contributing 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, his appeal goes beyond statistics — scouts and analysts have praised his overall play, including his physical presence, tactical intelligence, and technical skill.
Standing at nearly 6’3”, Ekitike blends strength with agility. He’s comfortable dropping deep to help build play or using his speed to break through defensive lines, making him an archetype of the modern striker.
Comparisons have even been drawn to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, whose impact in the Premier League since his £63 million move in 2023 has been significant.
While several top Premier League clubs — including Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle — have expressed interest in Ekitike, Manchester United seem to be leading the race.
Not only have they reached out to the player’s representatives, but they are also the only club so far to initiate direct discussions with Frankfurt, according to a report from The Peoples Person.
Despite United’s serious interest, Frankfurt have maintained a firm stance on their €100 million (£85m) valuation, especially after losing forward Omar Marmoush to Manchester City.
Given the financial commitments United have already made — such as agreeing to a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha and entering talks for Bryan Mbeumo — matching Frankfurt’s full demand could be difficult without major sales.
Fortunately for United, Ekitike’s camp is indicating flexibility in the price, and the player himself is reportedly eager to move to the Premier League.
More specifically, he is said to be a lifelong fan of Manchester United, making Old Trafford his preferred destination.
However, it’s important to clarify that no formal agreement has been reached between Manchester United and Frankfurt, and no medicals have been scheduled.
The reports claiming a £60 million deal is complete appear to be inaccurate, as there is no credible confirmation yet.
Still, with the player’s interest and agent signals pointing toward a possible price reduction, United may be poised to accelerate talks before their rivals act.
