Rasmus Højlund Set to Join Napoli on Loan from Manchester United

Napoli have agreed a deal to bring Danish striker Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United on an initial loan with a conditional obligation to buy if the Serie A outfit qualify for next season’s Champions League. The agreement stipulates that the loan will include a mandatory buy option for €45 million if Napoli secures a spot in the Champions League next season, as reported earlier.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Højlund, 22, has struggled for playing time at Manchester United this season following the summer arrival of Benjamin Šeško at Old Trafford. The Denmark international wanted to stay and fight for his place in the team but has been left out of recent matchday squads. Napoli, who are looking for a replacement for the injured Romelu Lukaku, have swooped to secure a loan deal for the forward that could become permanent for an initial fee of around €44 million (£38m/$46m) contingent on their Champions League qualification. Højlund has already accepted Napoli’s proposal and is expected to travel to Italy for a medical examination this week before completing his transfer, with updates confirming that he is getting ready to move from Manchester United to Napoli.

NAPOLI AND UNITED: SEASON SO FAR

Napoli are looking to bounce back after finishing as winners in Serie A last season, edging past Inter Milan by only two points, but have started the new campaign strongly, currently sitting top in the table on six points from two matches. Meanwhile, Manchester United finished last season in 15th position in the Premier League, and the club’s new signings and departures, including that of Højlund, are part of an effort to rebuild the squad after such a poor campaign. Højlund started 33 league matches as part of 52 overall appearances last season for United, contributing to just 6 goals and 2 assists. The Denmark international departs with a United record of 95 games, 26 goals, and eight assists in all competitions.

WHAT NEXT FOR HØJLUND AND THE CLUBS?

Højlund could make his Serie A debut for Napoli once his medical is complete ahead of the match with Fiorentina. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s next Premier League fixture pits them against a high-flying Manchester City side, with the Red Devils still searching for their second win of the competition as they currently in the middle of the table of the Premier League table after a series of mixed results this season.