Manchester United are set to suffer another substantial financial blow in the transfer market, with Napoli moving to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund on a permanent deal.
Napoli Close In on Cut-Price Deal for Hojlund
The Italian club reportedly view the move as a "formality" and are prepared to activate an option to buy the Danish international for a fee of £43million. This represents a significant loss for the Premier League giants, who signed Hojlund from Atalanta for £64m in August 2023 during Erik ten Hag's second summer in charge.
If completed, the sale would mean United take a £21m hit on a player just three years after his arrival. Hojlund's time at Old Trafford was marked by inconsistency; he took months to score his first Premier League goal and ultimately managed 14 goals in 62 league appearances.
Ten Hag's Costly Transfer Legacy Continues
Hojlund's potential departure adds his name to a growing list of expensive signings from the Ten Hag era that have failed to deliver value. The club's transfer dealings under the Dutch manager are painting an increasingly bleak financial picture.
The most glaring example remains winger Antony, who was signed from Ajax for £82m but was later sold to a Spanish side for just £21.6m. The situation with veteran midfielder Casemiro, bought for an initial £60m from Real Madrid, is also problematic due to his mammoth wages and expiring contract.
Further expensive acquisitions like Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte, who cost a combined £87.5m, are already being linked with moves away. Analysts suggest the total losses from transfers across Ten Hag's tenure could eventually exceed £150m.
Hojlund Finds Form in Serie A
The frustration for United is compounded by seeing former players thrive elsewhere. Hojlund himself has already scored nine league goals for Napoli this season, bettering his entire Premier League tally from the previous campaign.
Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has publicly expressed his delight at securing the player. "We did everything we could to sign him," Manna told Corriere dello Sport. "His will was crucial... The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important."
The proposed deal includes an option to buy with an obligation to buy if Napoli qualify for the Champions League. Hojlund's exit last summer prompted a major attacking overhaul at United, with over £200m spent on new forwards Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha.
