Rasmus Højlund’s difficult Manchester United chapter has come to a close with the Danish striker having a medical before completing a move to Napoli.
The deal, agreed late in the transfer window, will see Højlund join the Serie A champions on an initial loan before a permanent transfer next summer.
The agreement includes a £5 million loan fee with a mandatory purchase clause set at around £38 million, meaning Napoli will ultimately pay close to £43 million in total.
For United, it represents a significant financial hit, having signed Højlund from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million. His sale crystallizes a loss of nearly £30 million, underlining how far his stock has fallen since his highly anticipated arrival at Old Trafford.
Højlund leaves Manchester with a record of 10 goals in 52 appearances, only four of which came in the Premier League.
While he showed flashes of promise in European competition, his inconsistency and struggles to adapt to the physicality of English football left him marginalized. Under new manager Rúben Amorim, he failed to make a single matchday squad this season, signaling that his future lay elsewhere.
Napoli, meanwhile, view the 22-year-old as an investment for both the present and future. With Romelu Lukaku sidelined by a thigh injury, the club needed a reliable option to lead their line.
Højlund’s pace, movement, and potential make him an attractive fit for their attacking system, and the Italian champions hope a change of scenery will reignite his development.
For United, the exit forms part of a wider reshuffle up front. The club has already moved to strengthen their attack with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Joshua Zirkzee, leaving little room for Højlund.
His departure not only trims the wage bill but also reflects the club’s new direction under Amorim.
In the end, what was once billed as a long-term project at Old Trafford has ended after just two seasons. For Højlund, however, Napoli offers a fresh start and the chance to rebuild his reputation in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
5 Comments
