After bolstering Arne Slot’s attack with the flourishing German whiz Florian Wirtz, Liverpool could well try their luck in adding a Manchester United target to their ranks.
Indeed, the Premier League champions have been asserting their dominance on the market with the early acquisitions of Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and the impending arrival of Milos Kerkez.
On the other hand, Ruben Amorim has only been granted one signing thus far ahead of his first full season in charge in the form of Matheus Cunha, and, while the ex-Molineux talisman is undoubtedly a coup that has fans optimistic of what he’ll bring to the squad, it’s really a non-negotiable that INEOS pull their finger out and get more deals over the line.
United among Premier League rivals in pursuit of Hugo Ekitike
That’s why supporters were thrilled to see the Red Devils reputably linked with Hugo Ekitike.
The Eintracht Frankfurt starlet is expected to be on the move in the coming months after informing the club of his desire to leave back in May. Where he ends up, however, is the question on everyone’s lips.
United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all credited with interest in Ekitike, making INEOS’ job considerably trickier, given that they are the only suitor to not be able to offer Champions League football next term.
Ekitike has his pick of clubs if he opts for England move
Yet, one factor that may sway Ekitike Old Trafford’s way is that he’s much more likely to play a prominent role at United than with their two English rivals, both of whom boast stacked forward contingents — particularly Chelsea.
The impending departures of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will pave the way for any new face to stake their claim in the starting XI, and Ekitike’s stellar return in 2024/2025 (22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches) would rank him high in Amorim’s estimations from the off.
For now, the race is wide open for the 22-year-old’s signature, while Fabrizio Romano recently said of Liverpool’s pursuit: “Hugo Ekitike remains a candidate for Liverpool striker position, a player they appreciate, and I keep repeating to you that they are in contact with the agents of the players.
“It’s going to be, for sure, an interesting story to follow in this summer transfer window.”
Any sane player given a choice is not going to choose United over Liverpool or City. Even Newcastle offer a better proposition. Only money would persuade them and United cannot afford to pay huge salaries now.
I think Ekitike was always likely to be too expensive for Utd and I’m not sure he’s the best choice anyway. He’s rather similar in profile to Zirkzee (so why would we need two of them)? I think we need a dedicated finisher as our new striker signing, complemented by Zirkzee as a ‘false-9’ in certain games, or even Cunha and/or Mbeumo up front depending on the game plan.
Why would a player pick united ahead of Liverpool at this point of time, slot a trying to implement a different playing style to that of Jugen Klopp, Ekitike I believe fits the bill
We should be looking in other leagues to try and pick up a cheaper but top CF instead of chasing players that we just cannot afford. We have Obi here who will be a Top CF for us in the next couple of seasons. Maybe go for a proven older CF who he can learn from, over the next season or 2.
If United could have both Cunha and Mbeumo,, Now’ why should they have to wast money looking for strikers, yet Rashford is there very mature and even better than some of those strikers…