Manchester United hold talks over a deal for Hugo Ekitike despite Ruben Amorim’s desire to sign a more proven goalscorer, as per reports.
Over the last 24 months, United have spent over £100 million to recruit Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. However, the Red Devils are once again scouring the market for a new striker.
The highly-rated centre-forwards, who impressed at Atalanta and Bologna respectively, have struggled to replicate their form in the Premier League, with the responsibility of leading United’s attack weighing too heavy on the 22-year-old Dane and 24-year-old Dutchman.
According to Givemesport, Amorim has been determined to sign a proven goalscorer capable of “immediately making Manchester United more of an attacking force.”
However, the United board reportedly “ignored his demands” and entered the race to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most well-rounded strikers, having impressed with his technical prowess and movement.
However, there are question marks if he is the best option to take United’s toothless attack to the next level. Ekitike has scored just 15 Bundesliga goals this season.
Further, the France U21 international also struggled to find his feet at Paris Saint-Germain after moving to the French capital in 2022.
This has led to a major dilemma at Old Trafford, as the club’s hierarchy are not sure whether to step up their interest in the Eintracht star, who “does not match the profile of centre forward” Amorim wants to add to his ranks.
The Bundesliga outfit value him at £85 million. As such, he would be a very risky signing, especially considering United’s financial predicament.
Both Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are viewed as more suitable options for Amorim. However, the Sporting CP talisman prefers to move to Arsenal, and Napoli’s out-of-favour star’s wage demands might be out of United’s reach.
Regardless, if Amorim isn’t fully convinced with Ekitike’s attributes, it would be best for United to look elsewhere or use their limited resources to address other positions, including their incoherent midfield.
Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
