Hugo Ekitike has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, with the Frankfurt star opening up on where his allegiances lie
Hugo Ekitike admitted last season that Manchester United were his childhood team as they enter the race to sign the Frankfurt forward. Liverpool and Chelsea have already registered their interest with Arsenal and United also linked with the French hitman.
Ekitike has just enjoyed his best season to date, excelling in the Bundesliga as he helped fire Frankfurt to the Champions League. He scored over 20 times and stepped up impressively when Omar Marmoush was sold mid-season to Manchester City.
A number of Premier League clubs are looking for more firepower and the Frenchman, previously on PSG’s books, is among those grabbing plenty of attention. The 22-year-old could end up having several offers on the table but has been open about his love for the team from Old Trafford.
United have a huge reach and when Ekitike was a youngster it was the team in red whom he followed. He told RTL in December last year: “My favourite club as a child was Manchester United. I’ve always admired them.”
That could yet prove to United’s advantage should they end up in a tug-of-war for his signature. Despite their struggles over the past decade they remain an attractive proposition for some players, especially those who have followed them for years – a point further proven by Matheus Cunha’s recent move.
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Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has admitted his star striker’s future at the club is by no means certain with speculation mounting about move away from Deutsche Bank Park – and the German outfit have always been willing to sanction exits if a player outgrows their environment.
He told Sport1: “He’s one of the most interesting strikers on the European market. Hugo has to decide that. I’m glad we have him. If he decides otherwise, that’s our motto: If a player develops faster than us, we let him go.”
That said Frankfurt, as they did with Marmoush several months ago, will demand top dollar if their player is to depart and with the benefit of Champions League revenue they aren’t under pressure to sell. Krosche added: “If the price isn’t right, then he’ll simply stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo.”
United have already missed out on frontman Liam Delap, who opted for Chelsea over Manchester when he left Ipswich. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly rejected their interest and Tottenham are battling Ruben Amorim for the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
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