Ekitike, Gyokeres, Osimhen transfer saga: United’s endless pursuit for strikers 

Manchester United’s quest for a prolific No. 9 has dominated headlines as the summer 2025 transfer window looms, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen topping their shortlist. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils aim to address their dire 2024/25 Premier League campaign, where they finished 15th, scoring just 44 goals in 38 matches, and failed to qualify for European competitions. Despite their celebrated history, United face significant hurdles: financial constraints, lack of Champions League football, and fierce competition in securing any of these three strikers. This piece is set to explore each player’s profile and the formidable obstacles standing in United’s way.

Hugo Ekitike

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just 17 goals combined in 105 appearances last season, United desperately need a goal-scorer. Ekitike’s youth and €68-85 million release clause make him a long-term investment, with fans on social media noting he’s the “cheapest” option at €23 million per year for PSR, compared to Osimhen and Gyokeres at €30 million. His enthusiasm for a Premier League move and prior interest from United during his Reims days bolster their case.

Frankfurt’s €100 million (£85 million) valuation, per Sky Germany, strains United’s budget, especially after spending £62.5 million on Matheus Cunha. Competition from Liverpool and Chelsea, who have held “concrete” talks with Ekitike’s agent, complicates matters. Liverpool’s Champions League football and Chelsea’s recent signing of Liam Delap make them more appealing destinations. Additionally, Ekitike’s reported doubts about joining United’s “current state,” as noted by Isaac Seelochan of Manchester Evening News, suggest he may prioritize a club with European football. Some report of United’s active talks offers hope, but Frankfurt’s firm stance and Ekitike’s four-year contract diminish United’s leverage.

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Viktor Gyokeres

Amorim, who coached Gyokeres at Sporting, sees him as the “holy grail,” to transform United’s attack. His familiarity with Amorim’s tactics and €70 million price tag (down from a €100 million release clause) make him a priority. United’s confidence, bolstered by agent Jorge Mendes’ mediation, was noted by Ben Jacobs, with Usain Bolt even urging the club to sign him on X. Gyokeres’ 0.68 goals per 90 and 2.5 shots per game is far above Hojlund’s output, offering a clear upgrade.

Gyokeres’ preference for Arsenal, who offer Champions League football, is a major blow, with The Guardian and Fabrizio Romano reporting his “dream” move to the Gunners. Arsenal’s advanced talks, per ESPN, and Sporting’s refusal to lower their €100 million demand, despite a reported €60-70 million gentleman’s agreement, frustrate United’s efforts. United’s 15th-place finish and lack of European football make them less attractive, as Gyokeres prioritizes a “club playing Champions League,” according to The Mirror. Competition from Liverpool and PSG, further dims United’s prospects, with critics noting Frankfurt’s price for Ekitike as a fallback option.

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Victor Osimhen

Osimhen’s €75 million (£63 million) release clause, according to Manchester Evening News, and potential swap deal involving Joshua Zirkzee, according to ESPN, make him a viable target. His 36 Super Lig goals and experience at Napoli align with United’s need for an established No. 9, with Jose Mourinho’s endorsement—“I would buy him for €70-75 million” adding weight, per Football365. United’s offers, alongside Arsenal’s, per Arda Ozkurt, show intent, but his fit in Amorim’s system is less clear due to limited pressing.

Osimhen’s €300,000-per-week wage demands, totaling €55 million over four years, are “too high” for United’s cost-cutting approach under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Napoli’s insistence on his full release clause, despite his loan status, and competition from Juventus, who are “pushing harder” to keep him in Serie A, per TEAMtalk, complicate negotiations. United’s lack of European football and Osimhen’s rejection of a £63 million move to Al-Hilal, suggest he seeks a top club, potentially favoring Arsenal or PSG. United’s financial constraints, with £162.1 million in operating expenses, limit their ability to meet his demands without offloading players like Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho.

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United’s complex challenges

Manchester United’s pursuit of Ekitike, Gyokeres, or Osimhen is hampered by systemic issues. Their 15th-place finish and Europa League final loss to Tottenham in 2024/25, exclude them from European competitions, a dealbreaker for top talents like Gyokeres, who prioritize Champions League football. Financially, United’s £41.6 million cost-cutting has boosted their transfer chest, but spending £62.5 million on Cunha and pursuing Bryan Mbeumo (£60 million) stretches their budget, making €100 million fees for Ekitike or Gyokeres or Osimhen’s wages challenging, with some fans on social media expressing frustration “We ain’t getting Osimhen, Gyokeres, Ekitike… where do we go now?”

Competition is fierce, with Arsenal leading for Gyokeres, Liverpool and Chelsea chasing Ekitike, and Juventus targeting Osimhen. United’s recent transfer failures, like missing Liam Delap to Chelsea, highlight their struggle to attract elite players. Amorim’s pull is a factor, particularly for Gyokeres, but his squad’s lack of cohesion, makes United a risky destination. Offloading high-earners like Rashford, Sancho, and Antony, per Manchester Evening News, could free up funds, but their reluctance to join a non-European side as well as the constant club rejections complicates deals.

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Conclusion

Manchester United’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres, or Victor Osimhen represents a critical moment in their rebuild under Ruben Amorim. Ekitike’s youth and potential make him a sensible long-term choice, but his €100 million price and rival interest pose barriers. Gyokeres, the ideal fit for Amorim’s system, seems destined for Arsenal, while Osimhen’s proven pedigree is offset by prohibitive wages and competition. United’s lack of Champions League football, financial constraints, and the need to offload players like Rashford or Sancho create a perfect storm of challenges. As some fans have urged on social media, United must prioritize a “proven killer” like Osimhen, but without strategic sales or a European competition, their dream striker may remain out of reach, leaving fans and Amorim facing another season of attacking woes.