- Hojlunds bids farewell to Manchester United on social media
- Napoli qualifying for Champions League tirggers permanent exit
- ‘Childhood dream’ was fulfilled by playing for the Reds
The season is not yet over, but Manchester United‘s summer of change under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS has already begun.
Technically, the deal in question, which brings money into United’s pocket, is from the last campaign. But the deal marks a good start to the first of many departures expected from Old Trafford.
The first ‘casualty’ of this exodus has been confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. It is a notable permanent exit to Italy for Rasmus Hojlund, who will not return to Manchester.
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Hojlund Confirms Old Trafford Departure
According to Fabrizio Romano via X, Hojlund has permanently completed his move to Serie A giants Napoli in a deal worth a reported £43m. The Danish striker, who has spent the season away from the club, took to social media to officially confirm the news.
The 23-year-old reflected on his journey so far, highlighting how comfortable he has grown in Naples after a challenging period in Manchester. Hojlund said: “I’m now officially a Napoli player and I’m saying goodbye to Manchester United. That feels weird, because for the past year, I already feel like a Napoli player. The way you fans supported me, made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again, is something I’m so grateful for.”
The striker also had some loving words for the Red Devils, who fulfilled a “childhood dream” of his since his move from Atalanta in 2023.
He continued: “To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional too. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey. So the goal today symbolizes a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true. It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them”.
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Investment Pot Builds for INEOS
Hojlund’s permanent departure represents a new dawn for Michael Carrick‘s side. He fit the model of an ‘INEOS’ signing, despite being signed by the previous regime. The unfortunate circumstances around the transfer played a big part in the move failing.
Harry Kane was pencilled in as a top target of Erik ten Hag’s in 2023, too. Hojlund was meant to be brought in as someone who could learn the role from another starting striker. When United’s pursuit of Kane was called off, the Dane was thrust into the spotlight as a first-choice striker.
However, his rediscovery of confidence in Italy proved that the talent is clearly there. It is just suited to Italian football more than the English type. Additionally, recouping a substantial fee allows INEOS to put that straight into the summer investment pot.
