Manchester United has given the green light to Napoli, agreeing to the permanent sale of Danish striker Rasmus Højlund in January next year. The Danish forward, who underperformed at United, joined the reigning Serie A champions on loan this summer.
Impressed by the center-forward’s displays, Napoli has decided to activate the buyout clause in the loan deal and is negotiating with United to execute the £38 million buyout agreement early. Eager to trim the squad, United hopes to finalize talks in the coming weeks, with the mandatory buyout now in advanced negotiations.
Valued at £72 million when signed from Atalanta in 2023, Højlund became a laughingstock at Old Trafford after scoring just 14 goals in 62 league games. United’s hierarchy, thoroughly disappointed, signed Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško for £66.3 million this summer. In contrast, Højlund has netted 4 goals in 6 appearances for Napoli, earning praise from manager Antonio Conte.
Though sidelined by injury for the last three games, Højlund is said to enjoy life in Serie A and has no intention of returning to United. For United’s management, still reeling from the Jadon Sancho fiasco last year, concluding the deal promptly would be a welcome development.
As previously reported by Camel Live, Højlund joined Napoli on a €6 million loan with an optional €44 million buyout clause that was likely to become mandatory. He has integrated quickly and performed impressively, securing a key role in Napoli’s plans—including in the Champions League under Conte .
