Hugo Ekitike Wanted By 2 Premier League Clubs

Hugo Ekitike might not be a household name just yet, but if this summer’s transfer window is anything to go by, the 22-year-old striker could be one of the most talked-about players in Europe. After a standout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, the French forward has caught the eye of two Premier League powerhouses, Manchester United and Liverpool. Both are eager to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

Ekitike’s Stock On the Rise

When Paris Saint-Germain loaned Ekitike to Eintracht Frankfurt last year, few expected him to make such a massive impact. But the young striker silenced the doubters with a brilliant Bundesliga campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists. He didn’t just put up numbers. He helped guide Frankfurt to a Champions League spot with a third-place finish in the league, turning heads across Europe in the process.

A skillful runner with sharp instincts inside the box, Ekitike plays with maturity beyond his years. He’s strong, clever with his movement, and confident with the ball at his feet. It’s no surprise, then, that Frankfurt, having only recently made his loan permanent, is now asking for a hefty £85 million ($100 million) price tag on his head.

United Looking To Rebuild the Attack

Manchester United have already made transfer activity in the market with the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. A move that signals the start of Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford. But the club isn’t done yet. According to reports from Sky Germany, United have now “made contact” with Frankfurt to explore what a potential deal for Ekitike might look like.

After managing just 44 goals in the league last season, their lowest tally in Premier League history, United knows they need goals, and fast. Rasmus Højlund just had three goals in the Premier League, playing almost all of the league games for United. Joshua Zirkzee looks promising but hasn’t quite clicked in front of the goal, and the rest of the forward line looked out of sorts for much of the year. That’s why Amorim is eyeing a new No. 9, and Ekitike, with his pace, power, and killer instinct, ticks all the boxes.

However, United’s path to signing the Frenchman won’t be straightforward. With no Champions League football or any other European competition to offer, they’ll have to do some convincing. And given their financial situation, they’ll likely need to sell before buying again. Big names like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and even Alejandro Garnacho have been mentioned as potential outgoings in what could be a dramatic summer clear out at Carrington.

Liverpool Enters The Conversation

Then there’s Liverpool. The Reds have also shown firm interest in Ekitike, with multiple outlets suggesting they’re quietly leading the race. While new Head Coach Arne Slot was focusing first on the Florian Wirtz deal, which now looks imminent, bringing in a fresh striker is high on the club’s list, especially with Darwin Núñez linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Ekitike is reportedly admired by Liverpool’s recruitment team for his versatility. He’s not just a goal poacher. He can drift wide, drop deep, and link play with midfielders, all while maintaining a high pressing work rate. It’s easy to imagine him slotting into the type of fluid attacking structure that’s defined Liverpool in recent years.

What’s more, Ekitike himself is said to favor a move to a team where he can play regularly in Europe, grow under a clear tactical philosophy, and work with a manager who trusts young talent. Liverpool, for now, seems to offer the better fit. The question is whether they’re ready to meet Frankfurt’s demands and whether Ekitike is willing to wait while Slot wraps up other business first.

What’s Next For the Frenchman?

With Frankfurt holding out for a massive fee, neither club is expected to rush into a bidding war. But as pre-season approaches, both Liverpool and United will want clarity on their forward options. Neither club can afford another season of inconsistent finishing, and both see Ekitike as a potential long-term solution upfront.

Interestingly, Chelsea and Arsenal were also loosely linked to the striker earlier in the year, but those conversations have gone quiet. Chelsea has now secured Liam Delap, and Arsenal are focusing on other targets like Viktor Gyökeres. That leaves the door wide open for either Liverpool or United to make the decisive move.

Rarely, a player so young has already gone through so much from his breakout at Reims, to a tricky spell at PSG, to now shining in the Bundesliga. But Hugo Ekitike’s journey is just getting started, and whichever Premier League club wins the race may be getting one of Europe’s next top forwards.