Transfer Target Coveted by Liverpool and Chelsea Opens Door for Man Utd Move

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké is willing to join Manchester United this transfer window despite the club's absence from European competitions next season, according to German media reports.

Ekitiké has become a highly sought-after transfer target among Premier League giants this summer, with both Chelsea and Liverpool expressing strong interest in the 22-year-old following his impressive tally of 22 goals and 12 assists across all tournaments during the 2024-25 campaign.

Manchester United have recently entered the competition for his signature, reportedly after being turned down by Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres, and are now actively pursuing the Frankfurt striker.

Notably, BILD reports that United are currently the only club to have made official contact with Frankfurt regarding Ekitiké, despite numerous reports suggesting that both Chelsea and Liverpool had been in discussions about the player in the weeks before the international break.

While Manchester United's failure to qualify for European football next season will likely complicate their summer recruitment plans, the French attacker remains interested in a move to Old Trafford. Ekitiké has previously expressed his childhood admiration for United on multiple occasions—most recently in March 2025.

United hope this emotional connection will work to their advantage, but the club may also benefit from several other factors in this transfer pursuit.

Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche, who recently cautioned interested clubs that they would need to activate Ekitiké's €100 million (£85.1 million, $115.4 million) release clause, has a close relationship with United executive Christopher Vivell, who previously worked under Krösche at RB Leipzig during the 2020-21 season.

Ekitiké's agents are currently in discussions with United. Meanwhile, Liverpool have delayed their negotiations while attempting to generate funds to balance their upcoming €136.3 million (£116.1 million, $157.8 million) purchase of Florian Wirtz, and Chelsea initially focused on talks with Ekitiké's representatives before becoming reluctant due to Frankfurt's asking price.

Currently, there doesn't appear to be a frontrunner in the competition to acquire Ekitiké, though Manchester United's interest seems to be the most substantial at this point.