
Manchester United are unlikely to pursue a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, according to The Athletic.
The Red Devils were interested in recruiting Liam Delap from Ipswich Town last month, but the Englishman preferred to join Chelsea.
The club have since signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and they are in the process of negotiating Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer from Brentford.
The Athletic now report that United could enter the transfer market for a new striker, should Rasmus Hojlund leave the club this summer.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is one of the top names being considered by the hierarchy.
United have also been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, but it is claimed that the £86 million price tag on the Frenchman is beyond the club’s current means.
United’s stance on Ekitike is justified
Ekitike joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain on loan in February last year. His move was made permanent for £14 million, and he has proved a good acquisition.
The 22-year-old had a solid 2024/25 campaign with 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. He also impressed with his dribbling and hold-up play in the final third.
His attributes would suit manager Ruben Amorim’s playing style. Ekitike is a modern number nine with a tireless work rate. He also likes to work hard on and off the ball.
Despite the positives, United can’t spend lavishly on his services due to the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
They have already committed to paying Cunha’s £62.5m release clause to Wolverhampton Wanderers in three instalments. Mbeumo could cost a much higher package.
Taking this into regard, a new striker is now dependent on player sales. Hojlund is on the radar of Inter Milan, and his departure could pave the way for a new addition.
Even then, United are unlikely to make a huge outlay of £86m on a striker. United have been guilty of spending big in the past on emerging stars, who have failed to adapt.
A deal for Watkins would make better sense, given his proven Premier League record. The 29-year-old bagged 16 goals and eight assists in the English top flight last term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
