Napoli Approach Manchester United Over Rasmus Højlund Loan After Lukaku Injury

Napoli need a new striker after Romelu Lukaku’s serious injury. The Italian champions are talking to Manchester United about loaning striker Rasmus Højlund, who has been identified by Manchester United as a candidate for a loan.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Lukaku hurt his thigh last Thursday in Napoli‘s 2-1 win over Olympiacos. Medical tests showed it is a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle of the left thigh. Lukaku might need surgery, and reports from Napoli suggest he could be out until November. This is a big blow for Napoli before their Serie A opener against Sassuolo. The development forced them to contact Manchester United directly to ask about a loan move for their Danish striker Højlund, as the club urgently need firepower in attack for the coming months.

NAPOLI AND UNITED: SEASON PREPARATIONS AND STRIKER SITUATION

Napoli, current Serie A champions, are aiming to defend their title this season. However, losing Lukaku, who was expected to lead the line, puts pressure on new manager Antonio Conte. Napoli have signed Lorenzo Lucca, but experience up front is still limited. Meanwhile, Manchester United have Højlund as a key member of their squad since joining them in 2023. He scored 6 goals and provided 2 assists in 33 appearances last season, with Højlund wanting to stay and fight for his spot at Manchester United. The English club also recently signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, but said there are no talks about him leaving. Their new manager Ruben Amorim said Zirkzee is part of his plans for the season.

WHAT’S NEXT: TRANSFER MARKET MOVES AND OPENERS

The Serie A season begins in a few days and Napoli face Sassuolo on Saturday. Sassuolo gained promotion last season, and will want to make Napoli’s life difficult. Napoli will hope to start well despite limited attacking options. The club is now assessing multiple transfer targets, including Højlund, and others like Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Artem Dovbyk at Roma, and Nicola Kristovic from Lecce. Manchester United will begin their Premier League season soon as well, with the expectation that both Højlund and Zirkzee will compete for starting roles. The final decision will likely depend on Lukaku’s latest medical examination and whether Napoli can sign a replacement before the transfer window shuts.