Rasmus Hojlund transfer to Napoli includes secret clause

Napoli are a club in transition, balancing ambition and reinvention as it looks to rebuild their squad after a turbulent summer.

Under Antonio Conte’s leadership, the Italian champions are reshaping their side for another title challenge, focusing on adding fresh firepower to replace Victor Osimhen’s prolific presence in attack.

The club’s recruitment strategy this season has been bold yet calculated, combining youthful energy with seasoned experience to ensure stability during their rebuild.

Amid this evolving phase, Napoli turned to one of Europe’s most promising young forwards—Rasmus Højlund.

The Danish striker joined the Neapolitans on a season-long loan from Manchester United in a deal worth €6 million (£5.2m), with a €44 million (£38m) obligation to buy next summer if certain conditions are met.

The obligation clause will automatically activate if Napoli qualify for the Champions League.

Should the deal become permanent, it would represent Manchester United’s fifth-biggest sale in their history.

For United, the structure offers a chance to recover a significant portion of the fee they paid Atalanta for Højlund in 2023.

During his time at Old Trafford, Højlund showed promise but lacked consistency, scoring 26 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions, with only four of those coming in domestic action.

His struggle to adapt to Premier League football eventually saw him fall down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, paving the way for a move elsewhere.

Napoli’s offer came at the perfect time, giving Højlund a second chance to rediscover his form in familiar territory after previously impressing in Serie A with Atalanta.

According to Football Italia, the deal also includes a discreet 5% sell-on clause, ensuring Manchester United profits from any future sale should Højlund’s value rise again in the years ahead.

For Napoli, the arrangement effectively serves as a one-year trial, allowing Conte to assess whether the Danish international can be the long-term replacement for Osimhen.

Højlund’s arrival also reunited him with former United teammate Scott McTominay, who has become a key player in Naples since his own move from Old Trafford a year ago.

The success of this transfer ultimately depends on Napoli’s Champions League qualification, which will automatically trigger the permanent transfer clause.

If they secure a top-four finish, it could mark the beginning of a new and fruitful chapter in Højlund’s career and a well-judged piece of business for both clubs.

If not, the young striker will return to Manchester next summer with valuable Serie A experience and another chapter added to his growing football journey.