Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
According to Romano, all three clubs have eyes on the player, but none have placed a formal offer.
While Chelsea are looking for the price to drop, Liverpool will enter the race after generating funds through player sales. Man Utd, meanwhile, must convince Ekitike to move to Old Trafford without the luxury of offering him European football.
Fabrizio Romano Confirms Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are All Interested in Hugo Ekitike
On his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano shed light on Hugo Ekitike’s transfer situation.
Romano said (via Shields Gazette):
“Manchester United have called with the agents of Hugo Ekitike. My understanding is the following: A call from Chelsea. Chelsea called Eintracht last week, but zero contact this week.”
As per the Italian journalist, Frankfurt will sell Ekitike for £85 million, which is too steep for Chelsea.
“Last week, there was contact between the agents and Chelsea asking Eintracht how much they want for Hugo Ekitike, and they were told €100 million (~£85 million), which is something as of today, Chelsea are not willing to pay.
“Chelsea are interested in Ekitike but only if the transfer price drops during the transfer window.”
Ekitiké's instincts 🧠#UEL pic.twitter.com/ksUMDVZ4zV
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) June 12, 2025
Liverpool, on the other hand, will first find a solution for Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, before moving for Ekitike.
“Liverpool are interested in Ekitike if they find a solution for Darwin Nunez.
“My understanding is for Darwin Nunez to leave with Napoli interested, clubs from Spain, clubs from Saudi. So, Darwin Nunez is going so we have to consider Liverpool for Ekitike. Again, it will depend on the price because Liverpool have already spent important money in the market.”
Romano concluded by adding:
“Then Manchester United called to be informed of the situation, to speak with agents because they are looking for a striker. So, Chelsea called, but the price is considered too high. Manchester United are now informed, and don’t forget Liverpool in this story. Let’s see what happens.”
Hugo Ekitike Was the Most Prolific U22 Player in Europe Last Season
Hugo Ekitike had a mesmerising 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt. Playing 33 games for the club in the German top flight, the 22-year-old scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists. He outscored all players aged under 22, including Bradley Barcola (14), Benjamin Sesko (13), Jamal Musiala (12), and the soon-to-be British record transfer, Florian Wirtz (12).
Across competitions, Ekitike played 48 games for Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists.
Most goals by players aged 22 or younger across Europe’s top five leagues last season:
15 — HUGE EKITIKÉ
14 — Barcola & Emegha
13 — Sesko & Biereth
12 — Musiala, Delap & Stassin
11 — Barry
10 — Santos, Wirtz, Silva, Nebel & SimonsThe best in class. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/c8KT7RxOxe
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 15, 2025
Ekitike, who has scored five goals in as many matches for France’s U21 team, joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain in February 2024. After a successful loan spell, the German team paid €16.5 million (£14.1 million) to sign him permanently. Before leaving the Parisians, he scored just 4 goals in 33 matches in all competitions.
