United Move Early for Bundesliga Forward as Liverpool and Chelsea Stall

Hugo Ekitiké’s declaration from December 2024 resonates loudly now:„Mein Lieblingsverein in meiner Kindheit war Manchester United. Ich habe den Verein schon immer bewundert.“

That childhood affection may soon turn into professional reality, as Manchester United have taken initial steps to land the Eintracht Frankfurt striker. With 22 goals and 12 assists last season, the 22-year-old Frenchman has caught the attention of Europe’s elite, but United are currently alone in making direct contact, according to BILD, who broke the story.

There is a growing sense of momentum behind this potential transfer. Christopher Vivell, United’s Director of Football, shares a strong personal and professional relationship with Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche. Their ties, forged during their time at RB Leipzig, could play a decisive role.

BILD further reports that United have already gathered “alle nötigen Informationen über den Sturm-Schlaks (1,90 Meter)” and signalled clear interest through informal talks. That makes them the only club to formally engage Frankfurt so far.

While Chelsea remain in dialogue with Ekitiké’s camp, their hesitancy before the July transfer window and Club World Cup has cost them pole position. Liverpool, meanwhile, are bogged down in major transfer logistics. Deals for Florian Wirtz (€140m) and Milos Kerkez (€53m) need completion, while Darwin Núñez’s potential €70m move to Saudi Arabia must be finalised before a Frankfurt bid can be considered.

United, for all their current lack of European football, are moving quickly. The club’s belief in new manager Ruben Amorim is strong. As BILD writes, “Trotzdem zieht der legendäre Klub natürlich immer noch.”

With a €100 million price tag and multiple clubs circling, the decision now lies with Ekitiké himself. His brother-agent Karl Mwalako-Buchmann is already in talks with United, and while the lure of playing for his boyhood club is powerful, questions remain.

Does he want to become “das Gesicht des Aufschwungs” at Old Trafford, or hold out for Champions League football elsewhere?

From a United perspective, this is the type of transfer that brings back hope. Ekitiké is not just numbers on a stat sheet – 22 goals and 12 assists show clinical finishing, yes, but his flair, pace and technical prowess echo what this club has lacked since peak Rashford form.

There’s a poetic symmetry in signing a player who says, „Mein Lieblingsverein in meiner Kindheit war Manchester United.“ That sort of connection can’t be bought or faked. If the club is truly shifting under Amorim’s vision, this could be the start of something.

However, concerns remain. The price is steep, and United are without European football next season. Will that dull his ambition? Also, why are Liverpool and Chelsea holding back? Are there red flags we’re not seeing?

Still, the move makes sense emotionally and tactically. Ekitiké could be the face of the rebuild – a young star with history in his heart and future in his feet.