Wilcox leading race to sign “world-class” CF

Manchester United will quickly want to forget the 2024/25 campaign with the club registering their worst ever Premier League finish and points tally – ending the year on a measly 42 points.

Ruben Amorim took the reins back in November, but he was unable to transform their fortunes, with this summer vital if he is to be a success at Old Trafford.

The January window was his first opportunity to make the changes he desired to the squad, but ultimately it wasn’t long enough to make the wholesale transfers needed.

However, work has already commenced this summer to make key additions, with attacker Matheus Cunha the first player to make the move, joining in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If they are to push up the table and return to any form of European football at the end of 2025/26, more signings are needed across the board, with work already being conducted behind the scenes.

The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new striker

Over recent days, United have been pushing hard to try and land the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, looking to secure a reunion between the forward and the Red Devils boss.

However, it was confirmed that the Swede is only interested in a move to Arsenal this summer, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue other options before the end of the summer.

It appears as though Jason Wilcox has wasted no time, already making a move to land Eintracht Frankfurt’s talisman, Hugo Ekitiké, according to Foot Mercato.

The report claims that United are leading the race for the 22-year-old striker, who also has interest from Liverpool and Chelsea after netting 22 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that they have commenced talks, overtaking the other English sides in the race for his signature, but any deal could set the hierarchy back €100m (£84m) during the off-season.

Why Ekitike could be United’s answer to Kane

Harry Kane has been a striker who has been a thorn in United’s side over the years, often producing the goods against them and stopping them from success.

The England international has scored 213 goals in England’s top flight throughout his career, before making the switch to Bayern Munich back in the summer of 2023.

Despite departing for Germany, the 31-year-old has still managed to haunt the Red Devils, scoring against them in the Champions League, registering 11 combined goals and assists in his 21 outings against the club.

It’s safe to say United have been lacking such a goalscoring presence over the last couple of seasons, but that could be about to change with the signing of Ekitike this summer.

The Frenchman has been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, with the Frankfurt star matching or bettering him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be an excellent addition despite the mammoth price tag.

Ekitike, who’s been labelled “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he’s managed to post a higher goal per shot on target rate – subsequently demonstrating his edge in front of goal.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and carries into the final third, highlighting the threat he poses when getting at the opposition with the ball at his feet.

The former PSG star has also come out on top in more aerial battles this campaign, offering Amorim the focal point that he’s craved since taking the reins back in the winter.

Whilst £84m may appear to be a small fortune for a player who’s never played in the Premier League, it presents a fresh opportunity to land a star that could take them to the next level.

Should he get close to the levels produced by Kane in England’s top flight, it would be an excellent pick-up, with his skillset certainly pushing the club back in the right direction.

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