Napoli have made concrete advances to sign Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund this summer, according to multiple claims from Italy.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports the Serie A winners have reached an agreement with the 22-year-old.
He adds Napoli are also making advances in finding an agreement with Manchester United for a loan with an obligation to buy if certain set conditions are met. This could be related to goals scored, appearances and Napoli qualifying for the Champions League.
Di Marzio say the operation could be worth around €45m and Napoli expect to close it on Wednesday.
Gazzetta dello Sport also report the striker has said yes to the Naples club and then provides more updates.
On Monday, Antonio Conte’s side reached an agreement with Manchester United to sign Højlund for a €5m loan fee with an option to buy set at €40m.
This will be converted into an obligation if certain conditions, linked to appearances, goals and qualifying for the Champions League, are met.
Journalist and Napoli expert Ciro Venerato is also reporting an agreement between the two clubs for the Denmark international’s transfer, and explained the terms that Napoli have agreed with the frontman.
“A few minutes ago, Napoli and Manchester United metaphorically shook hands. Total and definitive agreement for Højlund,” he said, relayed by Napoli Magazine.
“A conditional buyout obligation, as Napoli wanted, but the not-so-impossible conditions linked to appearances, goals, and fourth-place finish make it almost mandatory.”
“The formula, however, only allows Napoli to budget the €5m for the onerous loan. Napoli also improved the buyout figure compared to last night. €40m, not €45m.”
“Napoli obtained a discount for two reasons. They had to accommodate the striker’s salary [higher than what he earns in Manchester], and United gave them a small discount in order to sell the Dane.
“Højlund takes home a five-year contract with an option for a sixth season and an excellent salary. €5m. But the bonuses [easy? difficult?] that would allow the striker to further improve his salary must also be evaluated.”
The journalist also reports efforts are ongoing so that the Manchester United player can complete his Napoli medical before Thursday.
“From tonight to tomorrow, the ball is in the court of the two clubs’ lawyers. The infamous image rights also need to be sorted out. It’s a race against time to get the medical examinations done before Thursday,” Venerato explained.
“We’ve said it time and time again: Napoli only wanted Højlund after saying no to Zirkzee. They never seriously considered other players. All that remains is for ADL to tweet in the next few days. But the hard part is done!”
In short, the conditions needed for Napoli to buy Højlund can be fulfilled, and Manchester United can earn €45m from this operation.