Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United are close to sealing a major deal with Napoli for striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Napoli close in on United striker
Manchester United look ready to cash in on Rasmus Hojlund. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Napoli are in the final stages of wrapping up a deal.
The striker, signed for £72m in 2022, looked like a long-term solution up front after a bright debut season. But, his form collapsed last year as Man Utd slumped to a poor 15th-place finish. A loan-to-buy move worth around £39m has been agreed in principle. That gives Napoli a much-needed boost after Romelu Lukaku’s injury left Antonio Conte short of firepower.
The Serie A champions believe Hojlund can rediscover his spark in Italy. He has previously impressed at Atalanta before making the jump to Old Trafford.
The move will reunite Hojlund with former United teammate Scott McTominay. Conte is ready to defend the Scudetto. So, the Dane will be thrown straight into the action. For United, this move opens up funds.
A fresh start for the Dane forward
For Hojlund, this move is less about walking away from Old Trafford and more about finding his feet again. His time with Manchester quickly turned into a nightmare. He scored only four PL goals in his second season and with his confidence gone, the fun had disappeared.
Perhaps, the system Conte has at Napoli allows him time. Everyone might be seeing the start of something good. If he settles quickly, Hojlund has every chance of becoming Napoli’s main man up front and proving his critics wrong.
Author’s Opinion
Hojlund’s exit feels like the right call for all sides. United cut their losses, Napoli gain a striker with huge upside. For the player, he finally gets a fresh start away from the constant glare of Old Trafford.