Romano: ‘Almost guaranteed’ Man United will complete £43.4m deal for Haaland-esque player in 2026

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·6 Oktober 2025

Romano: ‘Almost guaranteed’ Man United will complete £43.4m deal for Haaland-esque player in 2026

Rasmus Hojlund’s stellar start to his Napoli tenure has only cemented the club’s desire to sign him permanently upon the culmination of his loan spell.

The Manchester United loanee has hit the ground running in Naples, returning four goals in six appearances across all competitions.

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How Rasmus Hojlund has fared in Italy

(Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

He got off the mark at the first time of trying when opening his account on his Serie A debut against Fiorentina last month, before adding a brace to his tally during last week’s Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon.

Last night, Hojlund bagged a crucial contribution in the 75th minute to complete Napoli’s turnaround at home to Genoa in the league, ensuring they stay atop the table heading into the international break.

Prior to his move abroad, Hojlund had spent almost the entirety of the summer transfer window wanting to stay put at Old Trafford.

He had been informed by club chiefs that a new centre-forward would be brought in following a campaign in which the Dane returned only four Premier League goals in 32 matches. Benjamin Sesko, Hojlund’s replacement, is now halfway to equalling that tally in just seven games.

Alas, Hojlund’s switch to Napoli was undoubtedly the best move for all parties. He’s been able to revive his stagnant form in an all-new environment, while the Reds believe they’ve finally secured a young striker who can lead the line for years to come.

One of the factors that helped sway the 22-year-old’s decision-making was that he’d be playing in front of Kevin De Bruyne, who assisted both of his goals against the Portuguese outfit last Wednesday.

Post-match, the former Manchester City icon suggested Hojlund had shown remnants of Erling Haaland in his game.

“They’re quite similar,” De Bruyne said of the two Scandinavians. “Erling is Erling and what he’s done in his career is unbelievable. They both like to attack the space. Erling… probably a little bit more. Rasmus wants to come [and meet the ball] sometimes.”

Hojlund to sign long-term Napoli deal next summer

Fabrizio Romano has since assured that Gli Azzurri have full intentions of making Hojlund a permanent member of their squad next year, saying on YouTube: “Apart from the obligation they trigger or not, Napoli want to keep the player. Napoli trust Rasmus Hojlund.

“Napoli see Hojlund as part of their long-term project, and so it’s a loan with a buy option that might become an obligation, but it’s seen by all parties involved in this deal as a future permanent transfer almost guaranteed.”

The deal was worth £5.2 million upfront, and the reigning Scudetto winners will pay £38.2m next summer.