Napoli chief confirms Rasmus Hojlund permanent transfer is done

Manchester United looks to be set for another financial boost after their summer sales of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, as Rasmus Hojlund looks set to stay in Italy.

The former Atalanta striker arrived at Old Trafford in 2023 for a fee of £68 million (€78 million), however over the last two years has failed to prove that valuation.

In 95 games for The Red Devils, United’s then-first-choice striker only scored 26 goals, even going 21 straight games without hitting the back of the net.

In this time the Denmark international also registered only six assists, averaging at only 0.38 goal contributions per game.

However, that’s changed in Italy with the Serie A champions.

So far under Antoinio Conte, Hojlund is averaging at 0.6 goal contributions per game, scoring nine goals and three assists in 20 games, helping to lift the Supercoppa Italiana already.

As such, the Italian side are keen to make his move permanent, however are also obligated to if they qualify for Champions League football next season.

The agreed fee of £43 million (€50 million) is currently only an option, however Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has now reported the move is as good as done.

Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by The Standard, reported not only Napoli’s desire to retain their newest striker, but also the lengths they went to to sign him.

Speaking about the situation, Manna commented: “We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it.”

He continued: “We had no doubts. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach’s input. This makes a difference.

“There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us.

However, the biggest revelation of the interview came when asked if Hojlund’s permanent move is more of a formality now, to which Manna commented: “As of today, I think so.”

As such, United can almost guarantee a payment of £43 million for the striker at the end of the season which will support with their next phase of the squad rebuild.