Manchester United are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as they look to reinforce the striker position in the summer transfer window.
As per a report from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, United have shortlisted Ekitike as one of the potential attacking targets for the summer.
Another Bundesliga striker Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is also high on the wishlist of the Red Devils alongside Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Ekitike has turned the heads of many with his scintillating form this season, racking up 19 goals and 8 assists for Frankfurt across all competitions.
The 22-year-old has taken the onus since the departure of star forward Omar Marmoush to Manchester City, helping the Eagles battle for the top-four spot in Bundesliga and qualify for the Europa League quarter-finals. He produced a stellar display against Ajax in the second leg of the round of 16, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 4-1 win.
Ekitike could follow in the footsteps of Marmoush in securing a big-money move, with a plethora of clubs battling for his signature in the summer.
Man United have emerged as a potential suitor for the former Paris Saint-Germain star, who is valued at around €80 million.
Can Ekitike be the solution to Man United’s striker crisis?
Manchester United have been backed into a corner with their forward line, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkee falling to make a big impact.
Moreover, Marcus Rashford was sold to Aston Villa in January amid a strained relationship with Ruben Amorim, which further depleted United’s attacking options.
Both Hojlund and Zirkzee have been deemed big-money failures due to their futility in front of goal. The two strikers have only netted three goals apiece in the Premier League this season.
It looks like the Reds Devils are looking to take another leap of faith in Ekitike, who has just started to make his mark.
However, the French man’s exceptional numbers and higher ceiling can’t be written off. He is currently in a purple patch and is likely to get better in the remaining games of the season.
Ekitike is a well-rounded centre-forward who can exploit the spaces behind the defence with his smart movements and be a predatory finisher inside the box. He can also operate on the left flank and make dangerous runs down the channels.
United wouldn’t be reluctant to splash the cash again on a young centre-forward but the question is whether Ekitike is up for the challenge in the toughest league.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side would be hoping that Ekitike would hit the ground running as his former teammate Marmoush did at the Etihad Stadium.
