Napoli Set to Sign Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United in €45m Deal

Napoli are close to signing Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United on a loan deal with a €45 million purchase obligation. Reports indicate that the two clubs are finalizing the agreement.

DEAL CLOSE TO COMPLETION

After Romelu Lukaku’s injury, Napoli urgently needed a striker, prompting them to act quickly in signing Højlund. Talks with Manchester United have reportedly gone well, with the purchase being mandatory, establishing Højlund as a long-term replacement. He has agreed to a contract until 2030, and could make his debut this weekend.

WHY HOJLUND IS LEAVING UNITED

Højlund joined Manchester United from Atalanta in 2023, having scored 10 goals and providing 4 assists in 52 appearances. However, the arrival of Benjamin Šeško and a change of tactics saw him fall to the bottom of the pecking order. The 22-year-old decided to leave for more playing time and responsibility, with Napoli manager Antonio Conte making a compelling pitch. The Serie A champions beat competition from AC Milan, who were previously seen as his likely next destination until Højlund greenlighted the move to Napoli.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT

As the reigning champions, Napoli are currently second in the Serie A table, but level on points to Inter Milan. They will face Cagliari next and hope to welcome Højlund as a new signing by then, aiming to compete for the Scudetto while balancing their commitments in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Manchester United is facing its own selection issues, having sent another forward away on loan after a disappointing finish to last season, where they finished fifteenth in the Premier League and missed out on a UEFA Europa League spot.