Hugo Ekitike is a name attracting interest from many top European clubs this summer.
After an excellent season at Eintracht Frankfurt – scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists in the league, the 23-year-old French striker is firmly on the radar.
With several elite clubs in desperate need of a quality number nine, demand for Ekitike is high.
Ekitike is a unique forward, capable of fitting into a variety of systems and styles.
He’s a fluid dribbler who thrives with the ball at his feet, comfortable running into channels or drifting wide to take on defenders.
But his game doesn’t stop there.
He’s equally adept at dropping into half-spaces, receiving under pressure, and using his long legs to protect the ball and link play.
Standing at 6’3″, he also offers a physical presence, capable in the air and able to hold up play against defenders.
These traits explain the growing global interest in Ekitike – and Manchester United are no exception.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to find consistency up front last season, United are actively searching for another striker.
Ekitike, one of several options on their shortlist, would fit the system well, especially after Viktor Gyokeres turned down a move to Old Trafford in favour of rivals Arsenal.
However, signs are pointing to Ekitike joining one of United’s Premier League rivals instead this summer.
With both Liverpool and Newcastle interested in the forward, the race for Hugo Ekitike is heating up.
Newcastle have already shown their intent with a £70 million bid – which Frankfurt rejected.
Yet with Liverpool and Manchester United still monitoring the situation closely, the battle remains wide open.
But where will Hugo Ekitike end up for the 2025/26 season?
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Newcastle
Newcastle have emerged in the driving seat as they look to swoop in and steal Hugo Ekitike ahead of their Premier League rivals.
However, terms still need to be agreed between all parties – Newcastle, Ekitike, and Frankfurt, before a deal can be finalised.
According to reports, Newcastle have already submitted a £70 million bid for the Frenchman, but the offer has been rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Bundesliga side are holding out for £85 million, with hopes of keeping their star striker for at least another season if their valuation isn’t met.
Interestingly, Newcastle’s original plan was to sign Ekitike as a partner for Alexander Isak, forming a dynamic and versatile strike duo.
But that scenario may now be off the table.
As per The Athletic, Liverpool have expressed concrete interest in signing Isak this summer – which would turn Ekitike from a strike partner into a potential replacement.
If Isak departs for Anfield, Ekitike could find himself as Newcastle’s new focal point in attack.
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Liverpool
Liverpool are actively searching for a new number nine to complete their revamped front three – and Hugo Ekitike remains high on their list.
With Florian Wirtz already signed to provide the creative spark, the Reds are now targeting a striker who can consistently finish the chances he’ll create.
Ekitike, with his movement, physicality, and link-up ability, fits the profile perfectly.
Liverpool have tracked the French forward all summer, but they now face serious competition.
Ironically, the outcome may hinge on Newcastle’s own star striker.
If Liverpool manage to lure Alexander Isak to Anfield – a move they’re seriously exploring, Newcastle will push even harder for Ekitike as his replacement.
However, with Newcastle reluctant to sell Isak, Liverpool could gain the upper hand in the race for Ekitike.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining how the dominoes fall.
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Manchester United
With Liverpool and Newcastle battling it out for Hugo Ekitike, Manchester United could throw a serious spanner in the works.
While United may be behind both clubs in a sporting sense – missing out on Champions League football and still rebuilding under Ruben Amorim, the lure of Old Trafford remains strong.
For Ekitike, a self-confessed Manchester United fan, the emotional pull could outweigh other factors.
United are currently working on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, but with talks stalling, their attention may shift toward Ekitike.
The club are desperate to add firepower ahead of pre-season, and the 23-year-old Frenchman could be the perfect fit for Amorim’s system.
Comfortable drifting wide, linking play, and playing as a traditional number nine, Ekitike brings the exact mix of physicality and flair United have lacked up front.
If they move quickly, they could hijack the deal and land one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
