Manchester United are unlikely to use Rasmus Hojlund in a swap deal to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 22-year-old has endured a troublesome second season at Old Trafford, ending a 21-match goal drought in all competitions in last Sunday's 3-0 win at Leicester City.
Hojlund has managed just three Premier League goals after inheriting the No. 9 shirt from Anthony Martial, sparking uncertainty over his long-term future. Ruben Amorim is widely expected to target a new striker to spearhead the team this summer in an attempt to solve his desperate lack of goals. But while Osimhen has been linked as a potential replacement, it's considered unlikely that he would arrive as part of a switch including Hojlund.
According to David Ornstein, speaking on Sky Sports' Back Pages podcast, the prospect of United offloading the Denmark international in the summer is unrealistic.
While Hojlund's sale would raise much-needed funds, he wouldn't likely produce a profit on the book value that he represents after the Red Devils splashed £72million to sign him from Atalanta in 2023.
Ornstein believes that Amorim will look to build with Hojlund as an option rather than replacing him with a striker four years older.
That said, the report adds that Osimhen is set to leave Napoli permanently at the end of the season, and he has been strongly linked with a Premier League arrival.
Napoli axed Osimhen in the summer after a broken-down relationship, sparking a surprise season-long loan move to Galatasaray.
The 26-year-old has continued his relentless scoring habits in Turkey, finding the net 26 times in 30 appearances and providing a further five assists.
United could still target Osimhen as their striker signing, with Hojlund staying put as competition for the established frontman.
Amorim has also been tipped to pursue a reunion with Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, though reports claim he wants to join a Champions League club.
Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Jonathan David are also among the forwards linked.
It's a hugely important summer for Amorim and United, which should also involve several exits, especially if the club fails to qualify for European football next season.
The M16 giants will also likely target reinforcements at centre-back, wing-back, central midfield and attacking midfield as part of a reshaping of the squad.
But while a striker is a priority, Hojlund doesn't look set to be part of any deal.