Man Utd make formal £85m enquiry for 'versatile' striker who is Amorim's choice

Manchester United have officially stepped up their striker search, launching a formal €100 million enquiry for Hugo Ekitike, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards after a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga.

Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists across all competitions last term, playing a key role in Frankfurt’s top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

United’s interest has been strong for months, but this week’s formal approach marks a serious escalation. Club sources believe Ekitike is a perfect long-term option to lead the line under Ruben Amorim’s new system—mobile, technical, and intelligent in the final third.

A former PSG and Reims striker, Ekitike’s pace, ability to run in behind, and strength in one-on-one duels make him a stylistic fit for Amorim’s preferred attacking model.

United scouts have highlighted his link-up play and versatility—able to play as a central striker or off the left—as key traits for the rebuild, reported talkSPORT.

However, the asking price is steep. Frankfurt value the player at €100m (£85m), having already seen interest from other top European clubs.

United, for their part, are expected to explore structured deals or player sales to make the move financially viable under FFP constraints.

With Anthony Martial now released and Rasmus Højlund needing more consistent support, the club are prioritising attacking reinforcements. Ekitike, young but proven at a high level, is viewed as a player who can grow into a long-term No.9 at Old Trafford.

Sources close to the player suggest he is open to a Premier League move, with United’s project and prominence viewed favourably. Still, negotiations are in early stages, and Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell.

Ekitike represents a significant gamble, but one that could define the next phase of United’s rebuild. It’s a bold move—and exactly the kind of statement signing that INEOS and Amorim want to build around.