The agreement, reached on 29/8, will see Hojlund join Napoli on loan for the 2025-2026 season. Man Utd will receive a loan fee of 7 million USD. If Napoli finishes in a Champions League qualifying spot in Serie A this season, a 51.4 million USD purchase clause will be automatically triggered.
 |
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates a goal against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium, Dorset, UK, on 27/4/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates a goal against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium, Dorset, UK, on 27/4/2025. Photo: Reuters
However, the deal is not yet complete as the 22-year-old striker still needs to agree to personal terms with Napoli. Hojlund has repeatedly stated his desire to stay and compete for a place, but his omission from the last three matchday squads suggests he is no longer a priority. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Hojlund and Napoli have only a few minor details left to finalize.
Hojlund joined Man Utd from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 for 88 million USD plus 11 million in add-ons, and was expected to become their long-term center-forward. However, after two seasons, he has not met expectations. In the 2024-2025 season, the Danish striker played 52 games but scored only 10 goals, including 4 in the Premier League. In total, he has made 95 appearances for the "Red Devils," scoring 26 goals and providing 6 assists.
Hojlund's opportunities diminished further when Man Utd spent 89 million USD to acquire Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig. Manager Ruben Amorim also acknowledged that Hojlund and Sesko have similar playing styles, making it difficult to utilize both effectively.
In addition to Sesko, Man Utd has other players who can play as a center-forward: Joshua Zirkzee, youngster Chido Obi, and new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. In their opening Premier League defeat to Arsenal, 0-1, Amorim even deployed Mason Mount as a "false nine" instead of Hojlund, later substituting him for Sesko.
Napoli needed a striker after Romelu Lukaku suffered a long-term thigh injury in pre-season. The Italian side considered several options before accepting Man Utd's proposal. The loan agreement with an option to buy minimizes Napoli's financial risk. However, if they secure Champions League qualification, Hojlund will become their player permanently.
Besides Napoli, Hojlund also attracted interest from Atalanta, RB Leipzig, and Newcastle. Atalanta, in particular, seriously considered bringing him back. However, only Napoli accepted the contract structure Man Utd desired.
For Man Utd, loaning Hojlund to Napoli not only generates loan revenue but also reduces their wage bill, providing an opportunity to improve their financial balance after the significant expenditure on Sesko. If Napoli qualifies for the Champions League, the Red Devils will recoup a substantial portion of their initial investment in Hojlund.
The Italian football transfer window closes on Monday evening, 1/9. Therefore, Hojlund and Napoli must reach an agreement before this deadline to complete the medical examination and sign the official contract.
Hoang An (via Athletic)
