Manchester United are expected to sign a striker this summer, although who that will be remains one of INEOS’ best-kept secrets.
Several top-performing forwards have been linked, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
United are believed to have made contact with the Frenchman’s camp and also with Eintracht to gauge the conditions of a potential transfer.
His standout campaign (22 goals and 12 assists in 48 league appearances) surely caught the attention of the club’s recruitment department.
While nothing materialised from those early conversations, the lack of progress with other targets suggests Ekitike remains one to watch.
If United do pursue the deal, it has now emerged they may have no choice but to pay his €100 million (£85 million) release clause.
Why Ekitike will not leave Eintracht for less than £85 million
According to Bild, Eintracht Frankfurt are confident they can reject any offers that fall short of their valuation.
The Germans are well aware of the current demand for top strikers and the scarcity of options on the market.
In England alone, United are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the hunt for a reliable number nine.
With such high demand and few viable alternatives, Frankfurt intends to capitalise.
Some of Ekitike’s suitors, such as Chelsea, are competing in the FIFA Club World Cup, where the winner is expected to earn over €110 million (£93.8 million).
The logic is simple: if clubs can pocket that kind of money, they should be able to break the bank for a player of Ekitike’s quality.
Technically gifted, quick and versatile, Ekitike can operate as a lone striker or in a front two.
Frankfurt believe his profile is unique and that no other striker on the market offers the same qualities as he does. That, they argue, justifies their valuation.
At just 23, and with this being his first prolific season, the feeling is that the former Paris Saint-Germain forward is only getting started.
If you believe you have a future Ballon d’Or contender in your ranks, would you let him go on the cheap?
Eintracht have a name to protect
That said, Frankfurt are also keen to protect their reputation.
The club has built a name for identifying and developing top talent, then selling for justifiable fees.
They believe their valuation of Ekitike is fair and should be what his suitors are willing to pay.
The successful exits of Randal Kolo Muani, Willian Pacho and Omar Marmoush have set a precedent, and Ekitike’s departure should follow suit.
Interestingly, a stay at Deutsche Bank Park has not been ruled out if no club meets the asking price.
Notably, United chiefs reportedly viewed Hugo Ekitike as a Plan B option behind their top target, Viktor Gyökeres.
Arsenal are now believed to be leading the race for Gyökeres, which may now prompt INEOS to consider whether a marquee move for Ekitike is the right fit to complete Ruben Amorim’s attacking puzzle.
Featured image Christof Koepsel via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
