‘There are no doubts’: Euro club’s director confirms they want Man Utd star in their ranks next season

Napoli have confirmed that they fully intend to keep Rasmus Hojlund beyond his season-long loan spell.Had the reigning Scudetto winners qualified for the Champions League this campaign, they’d have had no choice but to activate the on-loan Manchester United star’s £38 million buy fee. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYNapoli to complete permanent acquisition of Hojlund this summerHowever, club director Giovanni Manna has spoken out to assure fans that they plan to sign Hojlund irrespective of whether they finish in the UCL places.“There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from MUFC in case of UCL access — but he is in our plans regardless of this condition,” said Manna.The Dane departed United last summer following a season in which he’d returned only four Premier League goals in 32 appearances.When Benjamin Sesko then signed in a £73m transfer from RB Leipzig, INEOS began making plans to facilitate Hojlund’s exit.He was initially in talks with AC Milan, until a lengthy injury layoff to former Red Romelu Lukaku prompted Napoli to register their interest, and a deal was swiftly agreed between all parties. Appearances Goals Assists 62 14 3 (Hojlund’s complete Premier League record)How is Hojlund faring under Antonio Conte?The 23-year-old has since enjoyed relatively improved form back in Italy, where he spent a year with Atalanta prior to his Old Trafford switch in 2023.In his 35 appearances across all competitions, he has found the back of the net 13 times and contributed a further four assists.Napoli are, however, playing catch-up in their remaining league fixtures, as they sit behind both Milan-based sides in the division; heading into matchweek 29, they are a whopping 11 points off of leaders Inter.