Manchester: Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces a significant decision regarding teenage striker Chido Obi as the club intensifies talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike for a reported £85 million.
United turned to the 22-year-old Frenchman after missing out on Viktor Gyokeres. Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in 48 appearances last season and impressed against Tottenham in the Europa League, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2029, meaning a hefty transfer fee will be required.
If the deal is completed, Obi, one of United’s brightest young talents, may be pushed further down the pecking order. The 17-year-old Dane, signed from Arsenal last summer, made his Premier League debut in May and scored twice in United’s post-season tour win over Hong Kong.
However, limited first-team opportunities could hamper his development, leading Amorim to weigh up a potential loan move. United may struggle to offer Obi enough minutes without Europa League matches to rotate the squad. Yet, keeping him at Old Trafford could still benefit his growth through cameo roles and Under-21 games.
Amorim must now decide whether to prioritize Obi’s development elsewhere or retain him as a valuable squad option, especially with Rasmus Hojlund’s future uncertain and injuries always a threat.
