Rasmus Hojlund has scored nine goals for Napoli this season during his loan spell from Manchester United, having shone in Italy alongside Scott McTominay
Rasmus Hojlund is flourishing during his loan spell at Napoli from Manchester United, and has already earned acclaim for his displays in Italy.
Hojlund leave United last summer to link up with the defending Serie A champions on a season-long loan deal, which also contained an option to make the transfer permanent.
Napoli possess the option of securing Hojlund at the season’s end for £43.5million (€50million), which would transform into an obligation to buy should the Italian outfit qualify for the Champions League.
Since arriving in Naples, Hojlund has netted nine goals across all competitions for Antonio Conte’s outfit and has received widespread praise for his performances from his manager, alongside numerous pundits.
This follows Hojlund managing 10 goals for United during his second campaign at Old Trafford after his £72million move from Atalanta back in 2023.
READ MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Talks set to intensify over £26m hijack as Andre Onana’s fate clearerREAD MORE: Andre Onana Man Utd transfer update as player’s representatives ‘in talks’
United signed Hojlund in the summer of 2023 following Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford, and subsequently reunited with former Reds midfielder Scott McTominay at Napoli after completing his loan switch.
McTominay also left United to join Napoli, but did so on a permanent deal back in 2024 when Ten Hag was the club’s manager at that time.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Former Premier League star Gianfranco Zola has previously delivered a clear assessment regarding Hojlund’s stint at Napoli and what United’s perspective on the arrangement might be.
“Hojlund is driving everyone crazy, even people at Manchester United,” Zola told Gazzetta dello Sport last month.
Zola also slammed United’s former boss, adding: “After McTominay left because of [Erik] ten Hag’s reckless decisions, they let go of a striker like that.”
United made several changes to their attacking options during the summer transfer window, with Hojlund’s departure being amongst several deals that were finalised.
Following Hojlund’s exit from the club, United proceeded to bring in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to refresh their forward options in a single window.
What lies ahead for Hojlund remains uncertain, with Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna recently outlining the transfer details and why he anticipates the United loanee will sign on a permanent basis in the summer.
“We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it,” Manna stated in Corriere dello Sport in December.
“We had no doubts. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach’s input. This makes a difference.
“There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important.”
Manna was also questioned about whether a permanent transfer for Hojlund was probable, responding: “As of today, I think so.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
