Manchester United Offer Player-Plus-Cash Deal to Beat Rivals to £80m Striker Hugo Ekitike

Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign a new striker this summer — and their latest target is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. But the Red Devils face serious competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United, who are also chasing the talented French forward.

With several failed striker pursuits already this transfer window, United are now open to a player-plus-cash offer to try and land Ekitike, according to CaughtOffside.

New manager Rúben Amorim is desperate to add firepower to his attack after last season’s struggles in front of goal. United had been in talks for Liam Delap earlier this summer, but the former Manchester City striker opted to join Chelsea instead, where he’ll reunite with his former boss Enzo Maresca.

Then came the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. While Cunha can play as a central striker, he is expected to feature more from the left — just like he did at Wolves — rather than be the out-and-out No. 9 Amorim wants.

Other top targets like Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen now appear to be off the table. Gyokeres is reportedly on his way to Arsenal, while Osimhen looks set for a move outside England.

This has led United to shift their focus to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike, 22, has impressed with his pace, movement and technical ability, drawing attention from several top clubs. Frankfurt are demanding over £80 million for their star forward — a fee that might be too steep for United without selling key players first.

Liverpool and Newcastle both have stronger financial positions at the moment, making them strong contenders. However, United believe they can jump ahead in the race by offering Frankfurt a player-plus-cash deal — something that could make negotiations move faster.

CaughtOffside report that United have already “made contact” with Ekitike’s representatives, signaling strong intent to push this deal through.

It’s still unclear who United are willing to include in the deal. However, with players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho facing uncertain futures, either could be used as part of the package — though that would come as a surprise given their popularity with fans.

Another possibility is that one of United’s current strikers could be offered. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee both struggled last season and have already been linked with exits from Old Trafford. With Amorim looking for more clinical options, either of them could be sacrificed if Ekitike joins.

Without European football next season, United will play fewer games — which could force Amorim to trim his squad to avoid frustration among players. Young talent Chido Obi, for example, is expected to push for more first-team action, and his development could stall if too many forwards remain at the club.

At least one of United’s current strikers will likely leave, and if Ekitike arrives, that exit becomes even more certain.

The coming weeks could prove decisive. United’s recruitment team, led by Jason Wilcox, are said to be actively working on this deal, and a player-plus-cash approach may be the key to beating Liverpool and Newcastle in the race for Ekitike.

With the new season approaching and the pressure on Amorim to deliver immediate results, signing a reliable striker is no longer just an option — it’s a must.