Rasmus Hojlund Shocks Football World as Former Club Eyes Stunning Return Move

Reports suggest that Atalanta, Rasmus Højlund's previous club, have "explored the possibility" of bringing back the Manchester United forward as questions continue to swirl around his future.

Højlund has seen his position as United's primary striker challenged following Benjamin Šeško's summer transfer, and was conspicuously missing from the squad for Sunday's Premier League season opener versus Arsenal—with Mason Mount deployed in a false nine position.

The Danish international had publicly stated earlier in the summer his desire to remain and compete for his spot at Old Trafford. However, recent reports indicate a potential shift in his position.

AC Milan have been strongly connected for several weeks, with Rossoneri sporting director Igli Tare acknowledging that interest recently: "He represents a viable option for us. We are currently assessing the situation."

While Fulham have been mentioned as potential suitors, Atalanta—where Højlund played for 11 months before his £72 million ($97.3 million) transfer to Manchester United in 2023—have surfaced as another possible destination.

The Athletic reports that the Serie A club are "seeking attacking reinforcements", following the unexpected departure of Mateo Retegui to Al Qadsiah. The forward had a remarkable breakthrough campaign in 2024–25, leading Italy with 25 league strikes. However, Atalanta couldn't refuse a €65 million bid for a player they had acquired for less than half that sum the previous summer. He will now ply his trade in Saudi Arabia.

Though Atalanta remain determined to retain Ademola Lookman, who recently expressed his disappointment publicly over being blocked from a transfer, there remains a gap to address. They are reportedly "monitoring Højlund's circumstances" with the potential for making an approach to secure his return.

Højlund, who is just 22 years old, netted nine Serie A goals across 32 matches in 2022–23, spending much of that campaign as a teenager. This was part of a rapid early ascent that saw him graduate from Copenhagen's academy at 17, followed by an eight-month stint at Austria's Sturm Graz, before Atalanta recognized his potential and secured a €17 million deal.