Liverpool have last laugh as Man United’s pathetic failed Hugo Ekitike bid emerges
Hugo Ekitike has become one of Liverpool’s biggest signings so far this summer.
The striker has moved to Anfield on the back of a wonderful 18 months at Frankfurt, where he developed into one of the most in-form attackers in the world.
Therefore, Liverpool paid an initial £69 million for Ekitike plus add-ons to bring the Frenchman to the Merseyside club.
This wasn’t a straightforward process, with Newcastle also chasing Ekitike before his move to the Reds.
However, it has now come to light that Manchester United also attempted to sign the striker in a pathetic attempt.
Man United offer Rasmus Hojlund to Frankfurt in Ekitike offer
Man United’s downfall will have certainly amused Liverpool’s fanbase over the last few years.
While the Reds have enjoyed success for almost a decade, the Red Devils have now become a lower mid-table side, finishing 15th last season.
Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim has attempted to still attract big players to Old Trafford this summer, including Ekitike.
According to Sacha Tavolieri via X (3 August), Man United tried to convince Eintracht Frankfurt to include Rasmus Hojlund in the deal.
| Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United career | |
| Appearances | 95 |
| Goals | 26 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Honours | FA Cup x1 |
However, covering his salary remained a challenge, and the Dane would rather stay at the Red Devils to keep his wage package.
For Amorim to even attempt this is laughable. Hojlund’s struggles in the Premier League in recent years have been well documented, and the striker has only managed 14 goals in the division since his £64m move.
The offer is just a sign of how far the Manchester club have fallen, and it does not appear that they will return to their former glory any time soon.
How will Ekitike fit into Arne Slot’s system?
Ekitike has been one of several signings that Liverpool have made in attack this summer.
With Alexander Isak being linked with a move to Anfield, the options up top could yet get more crowded.
One option for Arne Slot could be to play two up top, with Wirtz in midfield and Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah on the wings.
- Ekitike has previously played as a striker, CAM or on the left wing
- The Frenchman has mainly utilsed as a striker at Frankfurt
- Slot mainly played a 4-3-3 at Liverpool last season
Another option could be to simply play Ekitike on the left wing, a position where he has been utilised in the past.
Hopefully, Slot will have a plan for the upcoming campaign, whether Isak joins Liverpool or not.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.