Manchester United have spent the summer revamping their attack. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all joined the club in moves totalling more than $270M. However, those new additions have left some members of United's team in need of a move away.
Rasmus Hojlund appears to be one of those players. The 22-year-old Danish forward has been with United for two seasons. He was signed from Atalanta after an impressive debut season with the Serie A team that saw him register nine goals and two assists in 32 appearances as a 19 -year-old. Hojlund's addition was supposed to be one for the future.
However, a return of 14 goals and two assists in 64 Premier League outings is not what United would have been hoping for when they shelled out $86.4M to sign the young striker. And now, with the addition of Sesko, it would appear his time with United is running out.
According to Frabrizio Romano, Serie A champions Napoli have contacted United over a potential loan move for the young and talented forward. Napoli is in need of a new striker following a recent injury to Romelu Lukaku that will keep him out for more than three months.
Napoli had direct contact with Man United today following Romelu Lukaku’s injury as he’ll be out more than 3 months.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2025
Napoli asked for loan deal conditions for Rasmus Højlund.
Man United want to keep Joshua Zirkzee, no talks despite links today. Clear plan by Rúben Amorim. pic.twitter.com/mOIiM1xqxW
Hojlund could still emerge as an elite striker. He's still in the developmental stages of his career. Unfortunately for him, Sesko joins the team with far more experience and a proven track record of scoring goals in one of Europe's elite divisions. As such, Hojlund will need to continue developing his game away from the Theatre of Dreams.
Napoli would be a good landing spot for Hojlund. He would team up with former United midfielder Scott McTominay and former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. Antonio Conte could also be the ideal manager to help take Hojlund's game to the next level.
United would likely prefer a straight sale, rather than a loan deal. However, they will also be aware that a strong return to form from Hojlund could drive up his asking price next summer, which may make them open to a loan move under the right circumstances.
Conte is a proven tactician who gets the best out of his players. Hojlund could thrive under his tutelage, especially as he's already experienced in the Italian league. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Hojlund has remained steadfast in his desire to remain in Manchester and fight for his place.
Still, the chance to join a reigning champion and assume a key role in their attack doesn't arise every day, and that could be a differentiating factor in Hojlund's decision-making.
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