Rasmus Hojlund has sealed a permanent move to Napoli from Manchester United, with the Serie A side triggering a conditional obligation to buy after qualifying for the Champions League. The Danish striker, who scored his 15th goal of the season in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Pisa on Sunday, will officially join the club in June for a fee of £38 million.
Hojlund’s goal against Pisa secured Napoli’s place in next season’s Champions League, automatically converting his loan into a permanent transfer. The 23-year-old took to Instagram to express his emotions, calling the goal “symbolic” as it marked both Champions League qualification and his farewell to Manchester United. “For the past year I already feel like a Napoli player. The way you fans supported me made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again,” he wrote. He also thanked Manchester United for fulfilling his childhood dream of playing at Old Trafford, adding, “It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them.”
Manchester United, who signed Hojlund for an initial £64 million in 2023, will incur a £26 million loss on the deal. The striker scored 26 goals in 95 appearances over two seasons at Old Trafford but was deemed surplus to requirements last summer when the club brought in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.
The £38 million fee will bolster United’s summer transfer budget, with manager Michael Carrick prioritizing at least two midfield signings. Casemiro is set to leave the club, while Carrick confirmed that left-back Tyrell Malacia will depart when his contract expires this summer. Malacia, who joined from Feyenoord, made only 49 appearances for United, with just 10 in the last three seasons due to injury issues.
