Rasmus Hojlund Seals Shock Man Utd Departure as Transfer Details Emerge
Following two disappointing seasons at Old Trafford, Rasmus Højlund has departed Manchester United to sign with current Serie A titleholders Napoli on a temporary deal that is expected to become permanent next summer.
Højlund joined Manchester in 2023 for an initial €75 million (£65 million, $87.9 million) carrying significant expectations but lacking an extensive proven record. He departs having struggled to realize that promise on a loan arrangement costing Napoli €6 million initially, followed by a mandatory purchase worth €44 million in 2026 should Napoli secure Champions League qualification, according to The Athletic.
The energetic Danish striker possessed just one complete season of elite-level football when Erik ten Hag facilitated his Manchester move, though he was generating Erling Haaland comparisons following a productive goal-scoring spell for Atalanta from January forward.
Though he consistently performed well in United's European matches—Højlund recorded an notable 11 goals across 17 starts in Champions League and Europa League competition—Premier League success proved elusive. He endured a frustrating 15 matches and four months before scoring his inaugural Premier League goal on Boxing Day 2023.
United's forward managed to reach double figures during his debut league season but netted merely four times in 2024–25. Manchester City keeper Ederson recorded identical Premier League goal contributions to Højlund during that period.
Following such disappointing production, Ruben Amorim orchestrated the signing of three new attackers for a substantial £200 million this summer. The recruitment of Benjamin Šeško, a player who—according to United's manager—possesses similar attributes to Højlund, essentially confirmed the Dane's exit.
The transfer proved complicated for United. Højlund consistently expressed his commitment to remaining and competing for playing time, only to be completely omitted from the squad for the club's season-opening matches.
Højlund's reputation in Serie A remains remarkably strong, with Napoli having to ward off interest from AC Milan to complete the signing of the 22-year-old.
With Romelu Lukaku sidelined through injury, Højlund is anticipated to lead the attack for Antonio Conte's defending Serie A champions. The physical striker will be accompanied in the final third by former Manchester United colleague Scott McTominay, with both hoping to receive service from ex-Manchester City creator Kevin De Bruyne.