Manchester United have been dealt a double blow in the summer transfer market as their Premier League rivals move up a gear in their race for strikers.
Following a disatrous season in front of goal last time around, United are desperate to strengthen their front line.
Matheus Cunha has already been bought from Wolves, but weeks of haggling have failed to land Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Meanwhile, the real crown jewel, a striker, has yet to materialise at all.
United’s striker options dwindling
There seemed to be no shortage of top-class strikers available this summer to fulfil head coach Ruben Amorim’s wish. However, the Red Devils have just been spectators so far as the likes of Liam Delap (Chelsea) and Jonathan David (Juventus) have been snapped up, while Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Moise Kean (release clause expired) have committed themselves to other clubs.
This has left United with limited options, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, Bournemouth’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and a handful of free agents such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson.
Cross Ekitike of the list
According to Tier 1 reporter Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made a formal bid for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, pushing Newcastle United out of the race to sign him.
🚨🔴 EXCL: Liverpool have submitted official bid to Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike!
Eintracht already informed Liverpool that they want more, proposal rejected but it was initial contact as talks continue.
Ekitike said 𝐲𝐞𝐬 Liverpool, no issues on personal terms. He wants #LFC. pic.twitter.com/AflvOaro2h
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2025
United’s own pursuit of Ekitike seemed to peter out soon after it started, although there were recent rumours of a player-plus-cash deal being mooted.
Their arch rivals’ aggression in making the move looks ominous for Ruben Amorim in his quest to bolster his front line.
The double whammy
Etikite’s apparent rejection of the Magpies has led them to refocus their efforts on Brentford forward, Yoane Wissa, according to another tier 1 reporter, David Ornstein.
🚨 Newcastle exploring move to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford after cooling Hugo Ekitike interest. No #NUFC / #BrentfordFC contact yet but expected soon + personal terms also need to be agreed. Availability & price may depend on Mbeumo case @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/0cx3QFDurz
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 17, 2025
This also complicates United’s situation, as they are locked in negotiations with the Bees to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
If the London club sells Wissa, they will be under no pressure to sell Mbeumo as well and indeed may even decide not to sell him and weaken their side further.
Right now, it is hard to know what is in INEOS’s plans. Wrestling decision-making from club owner Joel Glazer and putting it in the hands of football men like Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox was supposed to streamline and speed up the transfer process at Old Trafford. But since capturing Cunha, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his men seem like rabbits caught in the headlights while their opponents run rings around them.
Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
