In a remarkable show of commitment to his dream move, Manchester United's newest signing Rasmus Hojlund has accepted a substantial reduction in his personal earnings to secure his transfer from Serie A side Atalanta.
The Danish international striker, who completed his high-profile switch to Old Trafford last week, was actually earning significantly more in Italy than what United will initially pay him, according to exclusive figures obtained by Mail Sport.
The Financial Sacrifice for Premier League Glory
During his time at Atalanta, Hojlund had secured an impressive wage package of approximately £35,000-per-week following his £15 million move from Sturm Graz just twelve months earlier. The promising forward had quickly established himself as one of European football's most exciting prospects.
Despite United paying a massive £72 million to acquire his services, Hojlund has agreed to a starting salary of just £30,000-per-week at the Theatre of Dreams - representing a noticeable decrease from his Italian earnings.
Performance-Based Incentives
However, the 20-year-old's contract is heavily incentivised, with numerous performance-related bonuses that could see his earnings skyrocket based on his success in the famous red shirt. These clauses are tied to both personal milestones and team achievements throughout what United fans hope will be a glorious tenure at the club.
The structure demonstrates both the club's cautious approach to their wage bill and Hojlund's immense confidence in his ability to deliver at the highest level of English football.
A Dream Realised Despite Financial Setback
Hojlund's willingness to accept reduced terms highlights his burning desire to represent one of the world's most iconic football institutions. The young striker has openly expressed his childhood admiration for the Red Devils, making this move a genuine dream come true despite the immediate financial drawback.
United manager Erik ten Hag identified Hojlund as his primary striking target early in the transfer window, praising the youngster's "enormous potential" and physical attributes that make him ideally suited to the demands of Premier League football.
This calculated gamble from both player and club represents one of the most intriguing subplots of the summer transfer window, showcasing that for elite athletes, ambition can sometimes outweigh immediate financial gain.
