The latest Manchester United transfer news – and views – as we take a closer look at Rasmus Hojlund’s loan move.
Josh is a Senior Football Writer for Reach PLC’s Central Audience Team. Having previously spent over a year at football.london as a trends writer, Josh has experience covering Leicester City for the Leicester Mercury. You can find Josh’s work across Reach PLC sides such as Manchester Evening News, football.london, Liverpool Echo, LeedsLive and many more.
Rasmus Hojlund has signed for Napoli – initially on loan.(Image: SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)
Manchester United raised just over £65million in transfer and loan fees in the summer transfer window up against their £216m spending to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens to the club.
Ruben Amorim needed new bodies within his squad after United recorded their worst season in 51 years. The main priority was strengthening their forward line, which was accomplished.
Another goalkeeper also came in amid ongoing the continued spotlight on Andre Onana. But the club’s outgoings were particularly interesting with the so-called “bomb squad” being sold.
Alejandro Garnacho completed his move to Chelsea and Antony returned to Real Betis. Jadon Sancho was made to settle with a loan switch to Aston Villa, while Marcus Rashford sealed his “dream” move to Barcelona.
One exit that didn’t look on the cards when the window opened was Rasmus Hojlund. Despite scoring just four Premier League goals last term, the plan looked to be that the Dane would compete with their incoming striker.
That isn’t the case with Amorim sanctioning his move to Napoli. The striker will spend the current season with the Italian side, who have an obligation to buy the striker.
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It’s been reported that the Serie A champions have agreed to pay a £5.1million loan fee with a mandatory purchase worth £38m. That means United will receive £43.1m for a player they paid £64m for in 2023.
Over the years, the club have let several players go and they have in turn gone on to raise their performance levels. It has not been revealed that within his permanent contract in Naples, a release clause worth €85m (£73.7m) will be included.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the clause will only be valid in 2027, one year after the striker’s move to Naples is made permanent. The journalist has also claimed that the release clause could split across three years – similar to how United brought Cunha to Old Trafford this summer.
Should Hojlund fulfil his potential and become the striker United would have hoped for previously, his valuation and release clause in Italy would mean a big-money move would come at a hefty price.
In two years times, there is a world where United are back in the market for a new striker. If Hojlund scores for fun in Italy, they’ll face having to pay much more for Hojlund, something they hope won’t come back to haunt them.
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