Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund may be forced to leave the Red Devils this summer after being left out of the matchday squad for his side’s Premier League opener with Arsenal on Sunday. The 22-year-old didn’t even make it onto the bench as summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all featured.
United shelled out £72million to land Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023 after he had starred in Serie A. But the Denmark forward has struggled to adapt to the demands of Premier League football and netted just four goals in the top flight last season as the Red Devils finished 15th. The player has attracted interest from England and abroad, and Express Sport takes a look at four swap deals United could line up to get Hojlund out the door.
AC Milan | Mike Maignan
United are already said to be considering including Hojlund in a swap deal with AC Milan as they are chasing the Italian club’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The France international was linked with a move to Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup but ultimately remained in Milan.
United are on the hunt for a new shot-stopper, with Andre Onana failing to convince in between the posts during his time at Old Trafford.
Borussia Dortmund | Serhou Guirassy
The Red Devils reportedly had the opportunity to sign Serhou Guirassy at the start of 2024 when he was playing his trade for Stuttgart. But Erik ten Hag pursued Joshua Zirkzee instead, with the Guinea striker securing a move to Borussia Dortmund months later.
Guirassy bagged 38 goals in 50 appearances during his maiden campaign at Signal Iduna Park and has attracted the attention of the biggest clubs in Europe.
With Dortmund said to be in the market for Hojlund, United could attempt to thrash out a deal for the Dane and Guirassy to move in opposite directions.
RB Leipzig | Xavi Simons
United have been credited with having an interest in RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons in the past, with the Dutchman starring for club and country in recent seasons.
But the 13-time Premier League champions would have to hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of the 22-year-old, with Simons said to be in favour of a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Leipzig are believed to be interested in signing Hojlund this summer, so there could be a swap deal on the cards.
Fulham | Joshua King
Fulham are also reportedly in the mix to land Hojlund and could offer the forward a lifeline to remain in the Premier League.
And Amorim could ask the Cottagers to include Joshua King in the deal, with the 18-year-old tipped to rise to the top of the game.
King, who came through the Fulham academy, made eight Premier League appearances last season and was thrown into the starting line-up for his side’s top flight opener against Brighton on Saturday.