Manchester United loaned Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli on transfer deadline day during the summer window, and that move can become permanent at the end of this season
Rasmus Hojlund warming up before a Napoli match
Rasmus Hojlund is increasing in value while on loan at Napoli
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Rasmus Hojlund's transfer value is actually continuing to rise while the Manchester United loanee spends the season on loan at Napoli.
The CIES Football Observatory estimates his transfer value at £71-£83million. That is around the £64million plus £8million in add-ons that United agreed to pay Atalanta for him two-and-a-half years ago.
For comparison, the CIES Football Observatory have Benjamin Sesko at £80-93million. United paid £66million to RB Leipzig, with potentially £7million more to be paid in add-ons, four months ago.
United face a nightmare scenario, however, as they appear unlikely to benefit from his worth increasing. That is because the Italian club can sign Hojlund for £39million – less than HALF the top end of CIES' estimated range.
The move is said to become permanent pending the fulfilment of certain conditions. Reports in Italy have claimed one of those is Napoli qualifying for the Champions League, which they are on course to do, sitting second in Serie A at present.
The number of appearances and goals for Hojlund in Naples is also likely to be a factor in whether that move becomes permanent. Last weekend, he scored twice in their 2-1 win over Juventus, keeping the reigning Serie A champions level on points with league leaders Milan.
Hojlund has six goals and two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions since signing on transfer deadline day during the summer window. However, his strikes against Juventus were his first since sustaining a thigh injury in October, ending an eight-match goal drought.
The striker assisted twice for his teammates during that time. That included the winner against Roma late last month.
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring for Napoli against Juventus
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring for Napoli against Juventus
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Hojlund said after that match: "Obviously, I'd like to score a lot of goals again and start doing so soon, but it's important to always contribute to the team, and I'm happy to help.
"I try my best to be useful. I consider myself a team player; winning is more important than scoring goals."
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte said of Hojlund in October: "He's a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United. He has significant room for improvement; he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he's proving it."
Denmark have also benefited from the 22-year-old's summer switch. His five goals and single assist in their qualifiers this autumn helped secure his national team a spot at next summer's World Cup.