Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as a Manchester United target after an impressive Bundesliga campaign.
The 2024/25 season is far from over, yet there is anxiety surrounding what plans Manchester United have the summer transfer window because it’s clear that Ruben Amorim needs a better squad.
In recent days, United fans learned that Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will be released at the end of the season, but Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof could also see their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Amorim will be tasked with choosing the right players to sell and identifying the right talents to pursue in the transfer market, with help from Ineos chiefs.
United loanees face uncertain futures, but it remains to be seen if Antony or Marcus Rashford can earn permanent moves away from the club. The Red Devils won’t stand in either player’s way of departing once they receive an appropriate offer.
Among the list of priorities for United this summer is signing a new striker. There has been a shortage of goals in the team for over two years and we already know that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee cannot be relied upon for scoring goals.
That’s why we are seeing more striker targets emerge by the week.
Eintracht Frankfurt demand more money from Hugo Ekitiké
With 21 strikes for Eintracht Frankfurt this season, Hugo Ekitiké will be one of the most sought-after strikers in the market this summer.
United need a goalscorer and Ekitiké has shown that he is capable of being one this season, albeit at the age of 22.
The Red Devils will want to avoid signing another project-type centre-forward like Hojlund because they need readymade quality right now.
Reports suggest Eintracht Frankfurt are aware of United’s interest, but only time will tell if it materialises when the transfer window opens.
According to Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga side have increased their asking price to ‘at least €100m’ (£85.7m) for Ekitiké, marking a significant raise from the €80m (£68.5m) fee previously briefed.
Frankfurt are understandably resigned to losing the 22-year-old striker, but by renewing his valuation it seems like they are cautious of maximising their profits.
Ekitike has scored more Bundesliga goals (14) than fellow United target Benjamin Sesko (11) this season, which is something United chiefs ought to consider when deciding which player is worth pursuing.
What next for Hugo Ekitiké?
The young forward will be aiming to finish the 2024/25 season strongly after Eintracht Frankfurt crashed out of the Europa League during the week.
It could be Ekitiké’s final season at the club or in Germany if he decides to move to the Premier League, where interest is reportedly building as more clubs emerge with a willingness to sign him.
Eintracht Frankfurt return to action on Sunday when they take on Augsburg in the league.
The German side are currently third in the Bundesliga behind leaders Bayern Munich and last season’s champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Only time will tell if Ekitike will get his big move at the end of the season.
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