Man United handed £38m transfer concern as European heavyweights plot move for French starlet

Manchester United dealt Hugo Ekitike blow as PSG prepare summer transfer bid

According to the French publication Foot Mercato (h/t The Sun), Manchester United have received a blow in their pursuit to sign Hugo Ekitike after PSG lined up a bid for a summer transfer. He has attracted a host of attention from some of the top European clubs ahead of the next season.

Man United are searching the market for a centre-forward addition to bolstering their ranks this summer. Edinson Cavani is set to leave Old Trafford after this term, while Cristiano Ronaldo does not offer long term security. Anthony Martial’s future remains uncertain, while Marcus Rashford has suffered a disappointing campaign.

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indefinitely, which shows the dire need to sign a new striker. Ronaldo has often been the only dependable option in front, which is not ideal moving forward. Ekitike could take some of the weight from the talisman if the youngster’s breakthrough season with Stade de Reims is anything to go by right now.

Is Ekitike the right option?

Ekitike could prove to be the right choice as he could be the understudy to Ronaldo until the superstar eventually departs moving forward. The teenager would earn valuable guidance from the vast experience the Portuguese international has garnered throughout his illustrious career.

That being said, if the Red Devils are looking to sign Ekitike, they may have to deal with some heavy hitters to secure his services. That is because Paris Saint-Germain have made a £38million offer to add the French starlet to their ranks despite Kylian Mbappe’s recent renewal.

Perhaps, Ekitike could replace Mauro Icardi, who could leave and is seemingly nearing a departure. The French giants can provide the Reims ace with Champions League football which eludes us for now. However, we could give him more opportunities to regularly earn game time than PSG as they are blessed with attacking options like Lionel Messi and Neymar, who would significantly reduce the youngster’s minutes.

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The Mancunians would also need to keep an eye out for the other rivals like Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan for signing Ekitike. The 19-year-old’s signature is certainly sought after by a lot of clubs which adds to our concerns.

Then again, Erik ten Hag is known for using young talented individuals to build a strong dynasty, just as he did at Ajax. He could do the same with the Manchester club with Ekitike, which could make us an attractive prospect. Then again, only time will tell if the Ligue 1 prospect feels the same way or not regarding a move to Carrington.