Man United must avoid £85m Hugo Ekitike deal, one stat proves it’s a disaster waiting to happen

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Manchester United have a huge decision to make this summer when it comes to signing a top-class striker.

Rasmus Hojlund has gone backwards this season and his disappointing form means that Manchester United are in the market for a new centre-forward.

United are closing in on a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha, but a striker is expected to follow him through the doors of Old Trafford.

Liam Delap is a top target for Ineos, with the Ipswich Town striker available for £30m following his relegation from the Premier League.

However, Ineos also have alternative targets, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Why Man United must avoid Hugo Ekitike deal

With 22 goals and 12 assists for Frankfurt across all competitions this season, it’s easy to see why Ekitike is a wanted man around Europe this summer.

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Frankfurt value Ekitike at £85m, which would take a huge bite out of United’s £100m transfer budget.

Ekitike is a boyhood United fan and therefore he could consider making the move to Old Trafford despite the Red Devils missing out on any European football for the 2025/26 campaign.

But one stat proves that signing the 22-year-old could be a huge mistake.

As pointed out by WhoScored, Ekitike is the biggest underperformer in the Bundesliga when it comes to his expected goals.

Based on his chances this season, Ekitike is expected to have scored 22.55 goals, yet he only managed 15 in the league – a major underperformance in front of goal.

Hugo Ekitike could follow same path as Rasmus Hojlund

United fans have grown frustrated with Hojlund missing chances throughout the season.

There has been huge pressure on Hojlund as United’s only natural centre-forward this season, but his four Premier League goals tell the story of an underperforming player.

United could sell Hojlund this summer to raise funds for another striker, but signing Ekitike as a replacement means he could suffer the same issues.

READ MORE: Sell or Keep decision for every Manchester United player after 2024/25 season

Amorim needs an experienced striker capable of handling the pressure of being United’s first-choice striker. Ekitike simply doesn’t fit the bill.

With Viktor Gyokeres available for £55m and Victor Osimhen also on Ineos’ radar, United are better off pursuing them instead.