Explosive United loanee has already convinced European giants, he is “part of their long-term project” – Romano

Rasmus Hojlund has found a new lease of life after leaving Manchester United to join Napoli on a temporary move this summer. The Danish striker endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, registering just 10 goals from 52 games in all competitions.

Hojlund was initially brought in to solve the Red Devils’ goalscoring conundrum in the summer of 2023 from Atalanta. The player had lit up Serie A the previous campaign, scoring nine times in 32 games in the league, convincing United to invest around €75m for his signature.

The Dane enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, scoring 16 times from 43 games, but lost his scoring boots last season.

United were determined to address their goalscoring issues over the summer and invested heavily in Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian’s arrival ultimately signalled the end of Hojlund’s stay at the Theatre of Dreams.

Rejuvenated by a return to Italy

Hojlund is a childhood United fan and would have preferred to stay and fight for his place at the club. However, the 22 year old was reportedly informed that he wasn’t part of Amorim’s plans after the defeat to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup in August.

The Dane ultimately moved to Napoli on deadline day on a season-long loan. The Serie A champions reportedly paid a £5.2m fee for his signature, and also have an obligation to sign him permanently next summer for £38m.

The clause will become active if the Partenopei manage to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Hojlund, meanwhile, has been rejuvenated by his return to familiar hunting grounds. The Dane has scored four goals in six games so far this season and has flourished under Antonio Conte’s tactics.

For the record, his replacement, Sesko, has scored twice in eight games for United to date.

Already part of Napoli’s future plans

Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on Hojlund’s future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that the Dane is almost certain to stay at Napoli beyond his loan deal.

“Apart from the obligation to buy, Napoli want to keep Rasmus Hojlund permanently. Napoli trust him and see him as part of their long-term project. The permanent transfer is almost guaranteed.”

United will be pleased with the update as it will help them raise a significant sum from Hojlund’s exit. Sesko, meanwhile, has already displayed impressive poacher’s instincts in both his two goals so far, while his all-round displays have gathered praise as well.

As such, should the Danes’ deal go through, it could suit all parties involved. However, the decision could come back to haunt the Red Devils if the Slovenian fails to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.

Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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