Euro giants believe United star has “sensational potential” as talk of permanent move next year persists – report

After a tricky spell at the Theatre of Dreams following his headline £72 million move from Atalanta in 2023, Rasmus Hojlund has returned to the Serie A.

In a deal worth around £43.2 million, a £5.2 million loan fee and a £38 million option to buy (triggered by specific clauses), Hojlund has joined Italian champions Napoli.

What Napoli think of the deal

For a striker who never quite became a hit or the next “Erling Haaland” after that blockbuster switch to United, some view Napoli’s commitment as a gamble.

But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Antonio Conte-led side see it differently.

The Italian outlet claims that at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, there is a strong belief that the deal will pay off, while explaining why Napoli feels the agreed fee will prove worthwhile.

They write:

“Hojlund’s full focus shifts to Napoli, the Scudetto on his chest and the Champions League stage where he once shone for Manchester United, scoring five goals in six appearances and clocking 489 minutes. That campaign left little doubt: this is a striker with ‘sensational potential’.

“It’s why Napoli didn’t hesitate to invest €50 million in him.”

While Hojlund failed to build on a promising first season at United, where he scored 16 goals in 43 games, anyone doubting him should rewatch clips from his 2023–24 Champions League run: he was a monster.

A lack of confidence and support saw him crumble under pressure last season.

While he looked revitalised in pre-season, United were not willing to take the risk and instead opted to sign Benjamin Sesko, widely regarded as an upgrade.

With no European football and game time scarce, Hojlund was forced to leave Old Trafford.

Napoli took a calculated gamble, backing him to step into the void left by the injured former United striker, Romelu Lukaku.

High hopes

The 22-year-old may have felt “unsupported” at Old Trafford, but things could be different in Naples. With Gazzetta dello Sport revealing:

“Conte now expects Hojlund to replicate Lukaku’s attacking presence. While their styles differ, Hojlund shares traits with the early Lukaku, the one who fired Inter to the title after an 11-year wait.

“The Dane excels at attacking space, has quick, durable legs, and despite standing 191cm tall, can accelerate over short distances and hold his own on long runs.

“Conte is already working on how to integrate him into Napoli’s system.”

Debut lined up

Red Devils will not have to wait long to see him back in action, with the report revealing:

“The temptation to start him in Florence is strong. His debut is guaranteed, and Hojlund is eager to experience his first start straight away.”

United fans last season were tuning into Napoli matches to follow Scott McTominay, who has become a big hit in Italy.

Now they have another reason: the Hojlund renaissance, to watch the Serie A champions’ games as they look to defend their Scudetto.

With Sesko tipped to shine at United, there is hope Hojlund can also rediscover his form in Italy. It would be a shame for football to lose one of its most promising modern-day strikers.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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