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Manchester United can capitalise on Liverpool delay in the race for 22-year-old French ace

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 6:43 PM ET

Manchester United seek to take advantage of Liverpool in the race for Hugo Ekitike

The European striker market is once again in motion, and Manchester United are watching with intent. Hugo Ekitike, Eintracht Frankfurt’s dynamic forward, has caught the attention of Chelsea, Liverpool, and United following a strong finish to the Bundesliga season. The Red Devils have already been briefed on the conditions of a potential deal, and signs suggest a window of opportunity is now open. While Liverpool also consider themselves well-positioned, their ability to act depends on player departures, most notably, the uncertain future of Darwin Núñez.

According to Florian Plettenberg via X, both United and Chelsea have made fresh enquiries about Ekitike’s availability. Liverpool’s situation, bogged down by financial balancing, gives their rivals a potential advantage. With Núñez likely needing to be sold first, Liverpool may be forced into a slower strategy, opening the door for faster-moving suitors.

Manchester United, for their part, must avoid hesitation. Ekitike fits the mould that Rubén Amorim desires: a forward who is mobile, powerful, technically sharp, and capable of playing with his back to goal. He isn’t merely a developmental project, he’s a player ready to contribute now. At just 22, Ekitike has already demonstrated he can handle the demands of a top league and has the tools to improve further.

With Rasmus Højlund’s inconsistencies leaving United short in attack, the Frenchman emerges as a serious alternative. His estimated €100 million price tag may be steep, but for clubs at this level, it’s not prohibitive. What’s more pressing is the timing, if United truly believe in Ekitike’s fit, they must act decisively, or risk watching another top talent slip through their fingers.

Chasing big names may bring headlines, but Manchester United have learned that stardom doesn’t always translate to success on the pitch. In Ekitike, they would be investing in a player who doesn’t demand astronomical wages or constant spotlight, yet consistently delivers where it matters. He brings hunger, positional intelligence, and a selfless understanding of the collective game, qualities that often make the difference in high-pressure matches.

In a transfer window marked by inflated valuations and fierce competition, going after a player like Ekitike is not just a pragmatic move, it’s a necessary one. Rather than entering costly bidding wars for flashier names with questionable output, United have the chance to secure a forward who has already proven his effectiveness and still has plenty of room to grow.

If the Red Devils move with conviction, they could outpace both Liverpool and Chelsea and secure a striker capable of contributing immediately while offering long-term value. In other news, Manchester United are also keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert as they continue to explore reinforcements for their front line.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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