BREAKING: Rasmus Hojlund Seals Shock Manchester United Departure
Manchester United forward Rasmus Højlund is reportedly on the verge of joining Napoli through an initial loan arrangement with an option for a permanent transfer, according to recent reports.
Højlund had previously expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford and compete for his position this season, but after failing to secure a spot in the matchday squad following Benjamin Šeško's arrival from RB Leipzig, he became open to considering a potential exit.
The Danish striker made it clear that he would only consider permanent transfer offers from Old Trafford, declining to entertain any temporary loan arrangements, and Napoli quickly showed interest in negotiating such a deal after Romelu Lukaku's injury setback.
The Athletic was among the outlets reporting on Friday that United had approved Napoli's proposal, which would convert Højlund's loan into a permanent transfer should Antonio Conte's team secure qualification for the 2026–27 Champions League, though the Denmark international had not yet agreed to the move at that time.
However, Højlund has now given his consent to the proposal, and Fabrizio Romano has verified that an agreement has been reached between all parties involved.
United will collect a loan fee of €6 million (£5.2 million, $7 million) and have consented to a permanent transfer valued at €44 million. Should this clause not be automatically activated through Napoli's European qualification, the Serie A club is understood to maintain the right to complete a permanent deal at the identical price.
Højlund is expected to make the journey to Italy for medical examinations before finalizing his contract and returning to Serie A, where he previously showed considerable potential during his time with Atalanta.
His tally of 10 goals in 34 appearances for Atalanta persuaded United to invest a substantial £72 million in 2023, but Højlund found it challenging to replicate that performance level in England. He scored 26 goals across 95 matches for the Red Devils before being displaced by Šeško in Ruben Amorim's plans.