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Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United outcast sure to leave for Serie A club in 2026

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 3:02 PM ET

Napoli are keen to land Manchester United loanee Rasmus Højlund on a permanent deal

Manchester United entered another phase of change last summer as manager Ruben Amorim continued reshaping his squad. The club’s transfer activity showed a clear plan to balance short-term improvement with long-term stability. Fans discussed the new arrivals and departures with mixed opinions. Yet, one move quietly drew attention across Europe, and that is the loan of Rasmus Højlund to Napoli. Everyone felt that the Dane would be United’s next big centre-forward. He chose a season-long deal that carried major implications for both clubs.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Napoli paid an initial €6 million loan fee. They agreed to buy Højlund permanently for £38 million (€44 million) if they qualify for the Champions League in 2026. This clause already sparked confidence in Naples. The forward started strongly and reunited with former teammate Scott McTominay. Romano said that Napoli trust Højlund and consider him part of their long-term plans.

“Apart from the obligation to buy, Napoli want to keep Rasmus Hojlund permanently. Napoli trust him and see him as part of their long-term project. The permanent transfer is almost guaranteed.”

United had signed him from Atalanta in 2023 for £64 million. The move once excited fans, but the Danish forward was inconsistent in the 2024/25 season. The club’s new attacking lineup, including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, is also going to limit his playing time. Although Højlund wanted to stay, United decided to let him go as they built a more flexible and quick-moving frontline. Meanwhile, other reports reveal that Manchester United will struggle to meet Real Madrid’s asking price for Federico Valverde. That situation adds more pressure on the club’s financial planning.

Why Letting Højlund Go Could Work in United’s Favour?

If the Red Devils let the Dane leave permanently in 2026, then it could help everyone involved. Manchester United can recover a good part of their investment, even at a lower fee. The deal reduces Financial Fair Play pressure and allows the club to bring in new players who suit Amorim’s system. United’s decision to focus on Benjamin Sesko shows belief in a striker who fits the pressing and movement-based style the manager prefers.

Højlund’s departure will provide United freedom to rebuild without managing a player who struggled for consistency. The club can now pursue key midfield targets and strengthen other areas. Reports reveal that Joshua Zirkzee also faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, suggesting more changes ahead. Højlund now enjoys a fresh chance to find form in a system that suits his strengths. His strong start in Italy shows that he has regained confidence. The 22-year-old has a fond experience of shining in the Italian league during his tenure at Atalanta, and hence it will be a win-win move for all parties.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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