Man Utd Chief Announces Club's First Major 2026 Departure
Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna has stated that making Manchester United loanee Rasmus Højlund's transfer permanent is simply a "formality".
After United restructured their attacking options during the previous summer window, Højlund found himself surplus to requirements and secured a season-long temporary switch to Serie A titleholders Napoli. The 22-year-old was looking to revitalize his career upon returning to Italy and has undoubtedly fulfilled that objective.
The Danish striker has netted nine goals in all competitions for Antonio Conte's squad and has even secured his maiden trophy with the club by winning the 2025–26 Supercoppa Italiana.
Following the Supercoppa final triumph against Bologna, Højlund used social media to mock his parent club, sharing an image of himself holding the trophy with the message: "What a great decision looks like."
Napoli have clearly been delighted with his performances and sporting chief Manna has disclosed that the striker's temporary arrangement is set to become a permanent deal at season's end.
When questioned by Corriere dello Sport about whether Højlund's permanent switch to Napoli was inevitable, Manna responded: "As things stand today, I believe so."
He continued: "There's a purchase option and a mandatory purchase clause if we secure Champions League qualification. The player views himself as a Napoli player, and we share that sentiment. This is tremendously significant."
Although United acquired him for an initial sum of £64 million ($86 million) from Atalanta in 2023, Napoli are anticipated to secure the striker for merely £38 million. This deal will represent another significant misstep for the Red Devils during a period marked by poor transfer decisions at Old Trafford.
Højlund Opens Up About Man Utd Exit
Højlund faced considerable criticism following two underwhelming campaigns at Old Trafford. He followed a 16-goal inaugural season with only 10 goals in his second term, experiencing difficulties under Ruben Amorim alongside fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee, but the Napoli loanee has dismissed claims that he failed to deliver in Manchester.
In conversation with Sports Illustrated, Højlund explained: "There was significant attention and pressure, naturally. But I believe it would have been difficult for me not to make that move as I supported United. And I think I performed admirably.
"One could argue I perhaps required another year [at Atalanta] or similar, but I believe it was the correct decision for me," he continued. "And as I mentioned, I think I excelled in my inaugural year, particularly, where I became the leading scorer in the squad and had a strong Champions League campaign and so forth, and claimed silverware with the team."
United opted for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško as their new No. 9 project last summer and the Slovenian has experienced a faltering beginning to his English football journey. Only two goals in 16 appearances for the club represents a modest return and he looks unlikely to match Højlund's debut season statistics.