Manchester United have confirmed the permanent transfer of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli for £38 million, triggered by the Serie A club's qualification for the Champions League. The Denmark international joined Napoli on loan last summer with a conditional obligation to buy, which became active after Napoli secured a top-four finish.
Hojlund scored the third goal in Napoli's 3-0 victory over Pisa on Sunday, a result that clinched Champions League football for the club. The win ended a poor run of form that saw Napoli win only one of their previous five matches, including home defeats to Bologna and Lazio. However, their superior head-to-head record over Roma ensured qualification.
The 23-year-old striker expressed mixed emotions in a social media post, thanking Manchester United for fulfilling his childhood dream of playing at Old Trafford. 'That feels weird, because for the past year I already feel like a Napoli player,' Hojlund wrote. 'To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional too. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey.'
Hojlund has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, though Sunday's strike was his first since March. Napoli manager Antonio Conte defended the striker during his goal drought, highlighting his work rate and potential. 'He's 23 years old and has significant room for improvement; you can't say anything about him; he plays for the team,' Conte said.
