Sky Sport: Man United ‘officially’ enter race for €100m attacker Liverpool are chasing

In a bold move that could significantly reshape their attacking lineup, Manchester United have officially entered the race to sign Hugo Ekitike—one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers. According to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils have made direct contact with Eintracht Frankfurt, the club currently housing the French forward, within the last 48 hours.

The development comes amid growing speculation over Ekitike’s future, with several Premier League giants—including Liverpool and Chelsea—already circling around the 22-year-old. Manchester United’s entry into the mix not only adds spice to the transfer window but also ramps up pressure on rival clubs to act swiftly.

Ekitike, who joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain after a difficult spell in Ligue 1, has enjoyed a renaissance in the Bundesliga. Freed from the competition and pressure of PSG’s star-studded lineup, the young Frenchman has found his rhythm again—scoring goals, linking play, and terrorizing defenses with his movement and finishing ability.

United’s interest in Ekitike stems from their urgent need for a versatile attacker who can complement or even compete with Rasmus Højlund. While the Danish striker remains a key figure for Erik ten Hag’s project, the club knows the importance of depth and flexibility in a demanding season that will involve domestic and European campaigns.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Manchester United have already gathered detailed information on Ekitike’s financial package, including salary expectations, agent fees, and, most importantly, Frankfurt’s stance on a possible summer sale. The German club, aware of the demand surrounding their prized asset, have placed a hefty €100 million price tag on his head.

This valuation could serve as a stumbling block for some clubs, but Manchester United are said to be seriously evaluating their options. With the departure of several high-earning players and new investment flowing into the club’s transfer strategy, a blockbuster move isn’t out of the question.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been scouting Ekitike extensively over the past year. The Reds see the Frenchman as a possible long-term replacement for Darwin Núñez or even as a versatile addition who could rotate with their current forwards. Chelsea, too, have made contact and reportedly view him as an ideal profile for Enzo Maresca’s rebuild at Stamford Bridge.

As competition intensifies, Frankfurt find themselves in a strong negotiating position. Ekitike’s contract runs until 2028, and the German club are under no immediate pressure to sell unless their valuation is met. That puts the onus on the Premier League clubs to either meet the financial demands or convince the player to push for a move.

For Manchester United, this interest in Ekitike isn’t an isolated case. The Red Devils are already deep in negotiations to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves and have also expressed interest in Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo. Additionally, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is on the club’s radar.

The push for Ekitike signals ambition from the Manchester United hierarchy. After a turbulent 2024/25 season plagued by inconsistency and injuries, the club is determined to bolster its squad with high-impact signings. The goal is clear: challenge for major silverware again, both in the Premier League and on the European stage.

Ekitike, for his part, has remained quiet on the rumors. However, sources indicate that he is open to a Premier League move, especially with three elite English clubs now in the picture. His representatives are said to be assessing the sporting projects and long-term guarantees being offered by each suitor.

This tug-of-war is far from over. With the summer transfer window now entering its most intense phase, more twists are expected. Should United step up and meet Frankfurt’s valuation, they could steal a march on Liverpool and Chelsea—sending a clear signal that the Old Trafford club means business.

Analysts have compared Ekitike’s playing style to a hybrid of Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe—pace, flair, and composure in front of goal. At just 22, he’s already shown he can carry attacking responsibility in a top-five league. His potential ceiling remains sky-high, and any club signing him now would be investing in a generational talent.

Still, questions remain. Can Ekitike adapt quickly to the physicality and speed of the Premier League? Would he be given the game time he needs to flourish, or would he risk becoming a benchwarmer behind more established stars?

These are all factors the player and his team must consider. As of now, Manchester United’s formal approach is being viewed as a major turning point in the transfer saga. They’ve made their intentions clear. Now it’s up to Liverpool, Chelsea—and perhaps any late contenders—to respond.

Fans of the Red Devils are already buzzing online, debating whether the club should splash the cash on Ekitike or prioritize other areas like central midfield or defense. Either way, the coming weeks promise drama, negotiations, and potentially one of the summer’s biggest transfer showdowns.

One thing is certain: Hugo Ekitike is on the radar of Europe’s elite. And Manchester United, under new direction and hungry for success, are ready to make their move.