Man United have ‘agreed’ £38m deal for forward | OneFootball

Rasmus Hojlund Faces Crucial Manchester United Decision

Manchester United’s summer dealings continue to dominate the headlines, and Rasmus Hojlund is the name once again at the centre. As reported by The Athletic, United have agreed a loan deal with Napoli for the 22-year-old striker, which includes a conditional obligation to buy worth €44million (£38m). Should Napoli qualify for the Champions League, the move will become permanent, while United would also receive an immediate loan fee.

Competition in United’s Attack

The context for this potential exit is clear. United have spent €76.5m on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, and the Slovenian forward is being viewed as the long-term option. Manager Ruben Amorim explained the dilemma following the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal: “It is a fight for the places, we will see what is going to happen on the market. Different characteristics. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Ben Sesko, so sometimes we need to choose.”

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With Joshua Zirkzee, teenager Chido Obi, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo all capable of leading the line, Hojlund has found himself sidelined. Left out of three matchday squads already this season, his future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain.

Interest Across Europe

Napoli’s interest comes at a time when they need a striker after Romelu Lukaku’s injury. Atalanta, Hojlund’s former club, and RB Leipzig have also monitored his situation. The Dane himself, however, has spoken previously of his desire to remain in Manchester: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”

A Career at a Crossroads

Hojlund has featured 95 times for United since his €75m arrival in 2023, scoring 26 goals. Yet his tally of only 10 goals last season, with four in the Premier League, underlines why Amorim is considering alternatives. For now, the final decision rests with the player himself.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

United fans will be split down the middle on this one. Some will be disappointed to see such a big investment potentially cast aside after only two years. Hojlund, still just 22, is viewed by many as a project striker who could blossom with patience. Others will argue that his return of 10 goals in 52 games last season was underwhelming, particularly in a side crying out for a reliable finisher.

There is also concern about United’s recruitment. Spending over €75m on Hojlund in 2023 only to splash €76.5m on Sesko a year later feels like poor long-term planning. Fans will question if Amorim truly knows his best forward line or if the club is simply stockpiling strikers without a coherent strategy.

Napoli’s offer makes sense financially, and with Champions League qualification as the trigger, United could even make back most of their outlay. Yet emotionally, this transfer feels like giving up too early on a player who once promised so much. If Hojlund decides to fight for his place, it could become one of the defining subplots of United’s season.