Report: Rasmus Hojlund heads to Napoli from Man Utd in loan deal

The deal marks a surprising turn for the Danish forward, who struggled to secure a regular spot at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils signed Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023 for an initial 64 million pounds plus 8 million pounds in add-ons, a hefty fee for a player with just nine Serie A goals. Despite high expectations, the 22-year-old managed 16 goals in his debut season but faltered in his second, netting only 10 goals across 52 appearances, including just four in the Premier League.

His lackluster form, coupled with the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Joshua Zirkzee's emergence as a preferred option, prompted United to greenlight the move.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Napoli will pay a 6-million-euro loan fee, with the permanent transfer set at 44 million euros if they secure a Champions League spot next season. "Hojlund has already accepted the move and wants Napoli," Romano said, noting the striker's contract would run until 2030 if the deal becomes permanent.

The total package could reach 50 million euros, softening the financial blow for United, who would still face a loss on their initial investment.

Napoli, fresh off a Serie A title and bolstered by signings like Kevin De Bruyne, Noa Lang, and Sam Beukema under Antonio Conte, are optimistic about their European prospects. However, their ninth-place finish after their last title in 2022-23 serves as a reminder of the challenge ahead.

Hojlund, once labeled "unsellable" by United, initially aimed to fight for his place, per The Athletic, but has embraced the chance to restart in Serie A. His earlier stint at Atalanta saw him rise from a 15-million-pound signing from Sturm Graz to a Premier League target, and Napoli will hope he can rediscover that spark.

Meanwhile, Conte, addressing Napoli's ambitions, said, "We're building a team to compete at the highest level, and Rasmus adds quality and hunger."

The move signals United's intent to streamline their attack while offering Hojlund a fresh start in a familiar league. For Napoli, it's a calculated gamble on a young talent with a point to prove.