Manchester United Open to Striker Exit as Napoli Show Interest | OneFootball

Rasmus Højlund’s Serie A Return? Napoli Join the Chase for Manchester United Striker

Serie A Beckons Once Again

Rasmus Højlund is once again on the radar of Serie A giants, with Napoli the latest side to express interest in the Manchester United striker. The 21-year-old Dane, once a rising star at Atalanta, is reportedly open to a return to Italy, with both Napoli and Inter vying for his signature.

As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, “Inter are not the only club trying to bring Rasmus Højlund back to Serie A. Napoli are also on the trail of the Manchester United striker.” It’s not just idle gossip. There is substance behind the links, with Napoli manager Antonio Conte looking for a dynamic partner or rotation option for Romelu Lukaku.

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The Red Devils acquired Højlund from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 for a hefty £75 million, plus an additional £10 million in bonuses. Despite flashes of promise, the young forward has endured two turbulent seasons in England. “26 goals in total, but only 10 in the last year,” is the stark reality. A disappointing campaign for Manchester United, plagued by inconsistency and internal flux, has left Højlund looking for a reboot.

Searching for Spark after Setbacks

“Overwhelmed by the team’s terrible season, he has not fully met the expectations of the English club either. And he needs a relaunch.” The truth is painful. He arrived at Old Trafford billed as the next big thing, but amid tactical uncertainty and shifting personnel, Højlund’s confidence and influence have waned.

Now under the eye of new manager Rúben Amorim, the Dane is reportedly no longer “considered an immovable element in Amorim’s project.” That has opened the door to continental suitors.

His fondness for Italian football and familiarity with its rhythm are drawing him back. “The possibility of a return to Italy intrigues him because he knows our championship and because the first team to ask for information on him was Inter, runner-up in Europe.” With Napoli now also in the conversation, the landscape of options has become increasingly competitive.

Napoli’s Ambition and Conte’s Puzzle

Napoli’s motivation is clear. Conte’s return to Serie A with the Azzurri brings not just expectation but a requirement to strengthen a squad competing across multiple fronts. As Gazzetta outlined, “Aurelio De Laurentiis knows he must expand the squad available to Conte because in 2025-26 the Azzurri will also be involved in the Champions League.”

Their strategy reflects a blend of long-term planning and immediate ambition. While they continue to chase Lorenzo Lucca of Udinese — who netted 11 goals in Serie A last season — negotiations remain stalled. “There is still a difference between supply and demand,” and Napoli view the €30 million asking price as excessive, especially given Lucca’s lack of European experience.

This has led them to reassess. “While waiting to see if there will be an acceleration for Lucca… Napoli has inquired about Højlund and the responses obtained from the first contacts with the Dane’s entourage have been positive.”

Conte reportedly admires Højlund’s mix of youth, power and previous Serie A experience. The striker himself is said to be drawn by the chance to work with the former Italy and Spurs boss, as well as the opportunity to share a dressing room with “players of the caliber of De Bruyne, McTominay and Lukaku.”

Inter Threatened as Napoli Loom

Inter’s own interest in Højlund has been longstanding, with a proposal involving a loan deal and an option to buy set at €45 million. However, Napoli’s financial position — boosted by the high-profile sale of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January — means they can table a permanent transfer offer upfront. This is a format more likely to please Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United’s evolving football operations team.

“Napoli’s possible inclusion in the Højlund deal is not good news for Inter… the Neapolitans have (since the sale of Kvara in January) the liquidity to conclude the operation outright.” With Inter still assessing options and embroiled in the Club World Cup, Napoli could seize the initiative.

The numbers may be higher than for Lucca, but Højlund’s Champions League exposure, Serie A past, and untapped potential tick every box on Conte’s wishlist. “Conte is an admirer of his and, even if the costs would be higher than those of Lucca, Rasmus combines international experience with his young age.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If this report is accurate, it is a worrying sign for Manchester United fans. The club spent big on Højlund less than two years ago, and now it looks like he’s already being offered around Europe. That reflects poorly not only on the player’s development but also on United’s direction.

Ten Hag’s departure was supposed to reset things, but if Amorim doesn’t see Rasmus as central to his plans, then what was the long-term thinking when we signed him? It feels like we are going back to the same old cycle of expensive short-termism.

Sure, 10 goals in a messy season might not be stellar, but it wasn’t entirely his fault. The service was erratic, the midfield collapsed, and confidence at the club hit rock bottom. A relaunch could still happen at Old Trafford — but only if we build the right system around him. Letting him go now, possibly at a discount, and watching him thrive again in Serie A, especially under Conte, would sting.

Højlund’s exit would not just be another failed transfer, it would be a symbol of United’s failure to protect young talent. If we want to rebuild properly, we need to stop repeating this pattern.