Man Utd now overtake Newcastle in race to sign ‘elite’ £86m striker – journalist
Manchester United have emerged as one of the most aggressive contenders in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, sharing the spotlight with Newcastle United as both clubs intensify their pursuit of the talented French forward.
While United’s early transfer window activity focused on securing Matheus Cunha and working to bring in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, their attention now appears to be shifting toward strengthening their central attack, particularly with top target Viktor Gyokeres set to join Arsenal.
That development has seemingly forced a recalibration of plans at Old Trafford, where manager Ruben Amorim now views Ekitike as a key alternative to bolster his frontline.
Journalist Abdellah Boulma revealed that both Manchester United and Newcastle are currently the most proactive clubs in discussions for Ekitike.
While Chelsea have also kept tabs on the striker’s situation, having already brought in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to revamp their attacking department, they seem less urgent in their efforts.
Liverpool, another potential suitor, have reportedly stepped back, with new head coach Arne Slot not prioritizing a move for Ekitike despite the striker’s openness to a Premier League switch.
Ekitike’s resurgence in Germany has made him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. After struggling to find his footing at Paris Saint-Germain, where limited opportunities and managerial tensions stunted his development, the 23-year-old revitalized his career at Eintracht Frankfurt.
His pace, intelligence, and physicality make him a dynamic presence up front, while his 6 ft 3 frame gives him a strong aerial advantage.
Last season, he impressed with consistent goal-scoring performances, prompting interest from top-tier English sides eager to strengthen their attacking ranks.
Newcastle, in particular, hold a long-standing interest in the player. They came close to signing him twice in 2022 before he chose to move to PSG, but their admiration has never waned.
With Champions League football on offer and a clear plan to build a youthful, high-energy squad under Eddie Howe, the Magpies may hold a slight edge over Manchester United.
They have already made their ambition clear in this transfer window, and a marquee signing like Ekitike would reinforce their intent to challenge for silverware both domestically and in Europe.
However, a significant obstacle remains. Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly inserted an £86 million release clause into Ekitike’s contract, a figure that could complicate negotiations.
While Newcastle are known for calculated spending since their ownership change, and United are still navigating financial constraints under the watchful eye of new sporting directors, any club hoping to land Ekitike will likely need to stretch their financial muscle or negotiate favorable terms with the Bundesliga side.
Despite the high valuation, both English clubs remain undeterred, driven by Ekitike’s potential to become a transformative player in the Premier League.
With his combination of flair, composure in front of goal, and versatility in the final third, he represents a long-term investment as much as an immediate solution.
For Manchester United, the appeal lies in his ability to offer a different dynamic from current options, particularly as Amorim seeks to implement a faster, more fluid attacking system.
For Newcastle, he fits seamlessly into their evolving blueprint of signing emerging stars who can thrive under Howe’s leadership and grow with the club.
As the race heats up and Ekitike weighs his next move, the coming weeks could be decisive. The striker has expressed an interest in testing himself in England, and with two of the league’s most ambitious clubs now pushing to secure his signature, a major Premier League switch could be on the horizon.
Whether it’s Old Trafford or St James’ Park, Ekitike looks set to take center stage in one of this summer’s most anticipated transfer stories.