Where Will Rasmus Hojlund Land? Five Dream Destinations for the Rising Star
Rasmus Højlund's time at Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close.
Ruben Amorim's choice to exclude the Danish striker from his matchday roster for United's season opener in the 2025–26 Premier League campaign was likely the decisive blow, after previously stating that Højlund would need to compete for playing time following a disappointing 2024–25 season.
Brought in as a developmental striker two years ago, Højlund showed potential in his first year, but a second-season decline has persuaded many, including Amorim, that a different approach is needed. The acquisition of Benjamin Šeško provides United with a ready replacement, though the Slovenian forward also needs development to avoid experiencing Højlund's struggles at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are now eager to offload the 22-year-old, preferably through a permanent transfer, though they recognize a loan arrangement might be more realistic.
Here are four possible destinations for Højlund this summer.
1. AC Milan
It was a short but successful stint at Atalanta that persuaded Man Utd of Højlund's abilities and promise in 2023, leading the club to spend up to £72 million ($99 million) to secure the striker.
Now, AC Milan are prepared to bring Højlund back to a more favorable environment. The Rossoneri's sporting director, Igli Tare, has acknowledged their interest in acquiring the 22-year-old, describing the Dane as a "solid choice".
Højlund netted ten goals in 34 Serie A matches during his single campaign with La Dea, contributing four assists as well.
Milan, now under Massimiliano Allegri's guidance, are set to transform into a physical team focused on counter-attacks, which could benefit the 22-year-old. He would also have the opportunity to play alongside legendary midfielder Luka Modrić, who joined the club after concluding his remarkable Real Madrid tenure in July.
Though Milan brought in Santiago Giménez during January, they need more depth in that position and appear ready to allow Noah Okafor to move to Leeds United.
2. Bayer Leverkusen
Former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag played a key role in convincing the club to invest heavily in Højlund two summers ago, and consistently emphasized that "patience" was essential for developing the young forward.
Højlund eventually outlasted the Dutch manager, with Amorim inheriting a striker frequently lacking in confidence. The Portuguese coach has never been fully convinced.
Now, Ten Hag has the opportunity to reconnect with Højlund, having been named Xabi Alonso's replacement at Bayer Leverkusen. While the 2023–24 Bundesliga winners have players like Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface, plus the valuable Nathan Tella, Ten Hag might persuade another club to take a chance on Højlund, possibly on loan, if he remains confident in the Dane's potential for greatness.
3. RB Leipzig
Šeško's exit appeared certain this summer, even when Arsenal shifted focus to Viktor Gyökeres.
After strengthening their attack with Premier League scorers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United focused on the striker position and met Leipzig's high asking price.
Højlund was initially content to stay at Old Trafford and compete for his spot, but being left out of the squad has likely convinced him that departing would benefit his career. Leipzig have brought in Göztepe's Rômulo as Šeško's immediate replacement to work alongside the impressive Loïs Opena, but they've also been connected with a potential Højlund move.
Nevertheless, their interest appears to have cooled since late July, when speculation suggested United might include Højlund in any Sesko deal. Currently, it seems Leipzig aren't prioritizing another striker signing, with Xavi Simons' probable departure likely meaning they'll focus on adding a playmaker.
4. Newcastle United
Out of pure necessity, Newcastle United might turn to the Man Utd disappointment.
The Magpies have endured a challenging summer despite qualifying for Champions League football in 2025–26. Much of their frustration centers on Alexander Isak's situation, with the Swedish striker declaring he won't represent the club again amid strong Liverpool interest.
Newcastle's efforts to address Isak's potential departure have been unsuccessful so far, with Hugo Ekitiké and Sesko joining Premier League competitors. Now, Brentford are firmly resisting their pursuit of Yoane Wissa.
Considering how their striker search has unfolded this summer, don't be shocked if Wissa has a dramatic change of mind, leaving Newcastle with either a disgruntled Isak or William Osula as their striking options for the campaign.
A Højlund move would be unexpected, but it would perfectly capture their summer struggles.
5. Fulham
Sources indicate that Man Utd would rather sell Højlund to a foreign club, but Fulham are beginning to express serious interest in the 22-year-old.
The Cottagers have two dependable Premier League strikers in Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz, but the former is 34 while the latter has attracted attention from Højlund's previous club, Atalanta.
If Fulham are prepared to buy the Dane permanently, however, they could overtake Milan in the competition. Højlund would certainly appreciate the decreased pressure that the relatively calm west London environment offers.