The dream move of Rasmus Hojlund is set to end with a whimper as the Danish striker’s move away from Man Utd is developing rapidly, United in Focus understands.
The stock of Rasmus Hojlund has nosedived in the last two weeks as soon as Benjamin Sesko’s transfer gained momentum.
He has been completely absent from the squad for the last two league games, and didn’t play in the preceding friendly either.
Amid interest from AC Milan, Hojlund seemed set to leave, and he is, but not for Milan, as another club have reached a breakthrough in talks.
Rasmus Hojlund in Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund close to joining Napoli
Man Utd have been done a favour by one of their former players, as Romelu Lukaku’s injury has forced Napoli to go all-in for Hojlund.
While Milan legends boasted about the club and why Hojlund should bend over backwards to join them, Antonio Conte’s Napoli have operated with surgical precision.
United in Focus spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who says that Napoli’s efforts have paid dividends, with a breakthrough reached in talks for the player.
United and the player insisted on an obligation to buy so that the player’s future could be settled, and a compromise has been reached that ensures the option will turn into an obligation with easy conditions.
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He could be available for his debut this weekend in a remarkable turn of momentum.
Bailey said: “Napoli have been progressing with their talks with Manchester United over Rasmus Hojlund. The deal will include an option worth £40million that can become an obligation if certain criteria is met – not the full obligation that United had initially insisted on.
“But following talks, Napoli have reached a breakthrough and a deal is now close, with Hojlund making it clear to United that he wanted to join Napoli.
“Antonio Conte has spoken to Hojlund about his prospective role in Naples. Milan revisited the deal after Victor Boniface’s move collapsed, but we are told that the Rossoneri were informed that Hojlund’s move to Napoli was in place and that he would not consider anyone else.
“Hojlund’s move is very close now, and if all goes to plan, he will be a Napoli player within days and will be available to make his debut this weekend.”
Hojlund can prove doubters wrong in Italy
Man Utd fans are no strangers to a player leaving Old Trafford for Napoli and becoming a superstar, as Scott McTominay has become a Ballon d’Or contender.
If Conte wants a player, that player can rest easy, knowing that the manager has a clear plan for him to maximise his strengths.
Hojlund didn’t help his case at United, but it is also undeniable that United didn’t do anything to help him help himself.
He was thrown into the deep end from day one, despite arriving injured, and was told to produce in a dysfunctional team where everyone but a few struggled massively.
In a slower league, under a manager who trusts him fully and in a team that plays to his strengths, expect him to rediscover his fire.
He’s still a player who was the apple of the eye of Europe before United splashed £72m on him.