Man Utd slap surprise asking price for Hojlund as they plan sale this summer

Manchester United have made the bombshell decision to cash in on Rasmus Højlund this summer, slapping a £52m asking price on the struggling striker as Ruben Amorim looks to fund a major squad overhaul.

The Red Devils, who paid £72m to sign the Dane from Atalanta in 2023, are ready to cut their losses after a woeful second season, with Juventus and Napoli circling—but sources warn United’s hopes of breaking even are slim.

Højlund’s debut campaign showed promise, bagging 16 goals in 43 appearances, including 10 in the Premier League. But 2024-25 has been a disaster—his tally’s plummeted to eight goals from 42 games, with just three in the league, per WhoScored.

A 21-game goal drought from December to March, only snapped against Leicester (3-0 win, March 16), exposed his woes, and Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League draw with Lyon saw him hooked after 63 minutes despite a late tap-in.

“Rasmus hasn’t delivered what we expected,” a United source told TeamTalk. “Amorim wants a proven No. 9 who fits his 3-4-2-1—someone like Delap or Gyokeres. The board’s backing him to sell.”

The £52m (€60m) price tag, cited by Tuttomercatoweb, reflects a £20m loss on the £64m base fee (plus £8m add-ons) United shelled out. Hopes of profit are fading—Højlund’s market value has dipped, and his £85,000-a-week wages are no bargain for a misfiring 22-year-old with three years left on his deal.

Juventus are the frontrunners, eyeing Højlund as a Dusan Vlahovic replacement if the Serb’s contract talks stall. No direct contact has been made, but the Old Lady’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, rates the Dane’s physicality despite his 6ft 3in frame yielding just four headed goals in England.

Napoli, chasing a rotation option for Romelu Lukaku, are also mentioned, though Il Mattino calls their interest “tentative.” A swap deal involving Victor Osimhen—floated in March by Gazzetta dello Sport—is off the table, with Napoli prioritizing Lukaku’s permanence.

Amorim’s patience snapped after Lyon, where Højlund’s missed sitter and poor hold-up play drew boos. “We need more upfront,” the boss said post-match, fueling speculation of a striker hunt.

United’s transfer kitty, bolstered by Antony’s possible £50m Atlético move and another foreseeable £40m Alejandro Garnacho sale to Chelsea, could fund Ipswich’s Liam Delap (£40m clause) or Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres (£80m).

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, keen to avoid PSR breaches, sees Højlund’s sale as a way to balance the books—though a book loss looms.

Højlund’s camp is stunned. “I’m a United fan—I want to stay,” he told Tipsbladet last month, citing Peter Schmeichel’s mentorship. But with Joshua Zirkzee also inconsistent (one goal in 12), United’s attack—37 league goals in 32 games—screams for change.

Fans on X are torn: @MUFC_Tom posted, “£52m for Højlund’s a steal—Juventus, take him!” while @RedDevilFaith  begged, “Give Rasmus time—he’s only 22!” With Newcastle done and Lyon’s return leg next, Højlund’s United days look numbered.