- Napoli set to buy Rasmus Hojlund
- Serie A side had conditional clause to make move permanent
- Champions League qualification for Italians confirms sale
When Rasmus Hojlund left Manchester United last summer, the club included a buy clause of €44m that would only be triggered if Napoli qualified for the Champions League.
The race for European places has been fiercely competitive all season, with Como and Roma being added to the mix of usual teams. Therefore, it has taken until Gameweek 37 for Antonio Conte’s side to confirm their place in Europe’s elite competition.
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Napoli Win Confirms Hojlund Move
As reported by Fabrizio Romano and multiple other outlets, Napoli’s 3-0 win over Pisa on Sunday (17 May) all but confirms that Partenopei will activate the purchase of Hojlund from Old Trafford.
Goals from Amir Rrahmani, Hojlund himself, as well as former United midfielder Scott McTominay sealed the deal in a routine win. Conte’s side could have secured qualification last week, but the 3-2 loss against Bologna delayed matters.
The striker has found his form in Italy, scoring 11 Serie A goals across 32 league games. It is a stark contrast to his Premier League form last season with United, which saw him find the net just four times.
United will receive €44m on top of the €6m loan fee that was paid last summer. This brings the total transfer to around £43m in local currency. The Danish striker joined United in 2023 for an initial sum of £64m. As per TEAMtalk‘s report in April, Hojlund’s value on the books is around £38.4m, which will not go down as a loss when factoring in the loan fee.
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First Sale Initiates Start of Business
After this clause being triggered, the wheels have started to move in terms of summer business for the Red Devils.
Officials at Stadio Maradona have been firm on their stance with the Danish international. They have wanted to sign him after being impressed by the 23-year-old in his return to Italy. It is a complete contrast to Barcelona’s muddled intentions over Marcus Rashford, which remain unclear and possibly awkward.
The move is best for both parties. Hojlund has no route back into the first team at Old Trafford, with Benjamin Sesko having successfully replaced him. United could do with a backup striker, but it is not something that the young striker would be content with. Neither would INEOS, although he only earned around £85,000 a week in England.
