Man United target Hugo Ekitike - 'I've always admired them'

Manchester United summer target Hugo Ekitike has sent an encouraging message that has gotten fans keenly interested in the prospects of a summer move to Old Trafford.

Ekitike, who has been linked with a move away from the German club Eintracht Frankfurt, has revealed in an interview his “love” for the English club.

The 22-year-old has been a subject of intense transfer interest from several top clubs in Europe, with the likes of United, Chelsea, and Liverpool all reportedly monitoring his situation.

The Red Devils are thought to have accelerated talks to sign the French forward, a few days ago, in their quest to strengthen their goalscoring department next season.

Ruben Amorim’s side have intensified their search for firepower following a dismal season that saw the “great club” only finish the season at 15th on the League standings – marking the club’s worst season in over 30 years.

United have explored the conditions of a potential deal for the Frankfurt star, with the German club demanding around £85 million (€100m) for Ekitike, who has four years left on his contract.

Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt — Hugo Ekitike bagged 22 goals in all competitions for Eintracht Franfurt last season (Image credit: Getty Images)

They have now moved ahead of other clubs, as talks intensify after Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres reportedly turns down the chance to reunite with Amorim at Old Trafford next season.

United were highly disappointed by the showing of both strikers, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who only netted only four and three goals in the Premier League, respectively.

As such, the focus to revamp that area of the squad for next season has only become mere talk, but a priority.

Ekitike joined Frankfurt permanently for €16.5m (£14m) just last summer, but after hitting 22 goals in all competitions, the German club have placed a €100 million (£85m) release clause for his services.

In an interview at the end of 2024, Ekitike revealed his personal, longstanding admiration for the Manchester club, which has now come to light once more after his words were reshared by reporter Florian Plettenberg.

“My favourite club as a child was Manchester United. I’ve always admired them,” Ekitike told German broadcaster RTL in December of last year.

Plettenberg adds that United are so far the only club to have made “direct contact” with Eintracht Frankfurt over Ekitike. Fellow suitors Liverpool and Chelsea are said to have only been in touch with the player’s representatives, and not his club, up to now.

With Matheus Cunha already brought in, while interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze, and Antoine Semenyo still lingers, it remains to be seen if Ekitike’s Childhood ambitions could play a key role in his decision-making.