Napoli have moved swiftly to secure their investment in Rasmus Hojlund, inserting a major release clause into his future contract despite the striker still being on loan from Manchester United.
The Details of the Deal
The 22-year-old Danish forward joined the Serie A side on a temporary deal in the summer of 2025, with Napoli holding an option to buy for €50m (£43.6m). This clause is reported to become an obligation to purchase should Napoli secure qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Currently sitting third in the table and just two points behind leaders Inter Milan, that trigger looks increasingly likely to be activated.
However, in a clear sign of their long-term plans and belief in his value, Napoli have already agreed to include a significant release clause in Hojlund's permanent contract. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, an €85m (£74.2m) release clause will be written into his deal once the move is made permanent, and it will become active in the summer of 2027.
Hojlund's Impressive Form in Italy
Hojlund's performances have fully justified Napoli's confidence. Since arriving in Italy, he has enjoyed a productive spell, contributing seven goals and three assists. This marks a stark contrast to his final, difficult period at Old Trafford, where he managed just four Premier League goals in the 2024/25 campaign.
The striker himself has strongly hinted that his future lies in Naples. Earlier in December 2025, he stated, “Next season, I’ll give my interviews in Italian,” a clear indication he does not expect to return to Manchester.
His manager, Antonio Conte, has been full of praise for his development. “Hojlund is a player who is very young, he’s still only 22 years old, and can improve a great deal,” Conte said. “Since he first joined us, he has already progressed to become a dominant player... he has huge margin for further improvement.”
Manchester United's Attacking Overhaul
Hojlund's departure from United was part of a significant attacking reshuffle at the club. After his £72m move from Atalanta in 2023, he scored 16 goals in his debut season but struggled to maintain that form. In the summer of 2025, United invested heavily in new forwards, bringing in Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, effectively clearing the path for Hojlund's exit.
Napoli now believe they have secured a potential future superstar at a relative bargain, with the €85m clause designed to protect their asset while offering a clear path to massive profit. Hojlund will be aiming to continue his fine form when Napoli face Lazio in Rome this weekend.
