Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed a key detail about Rasmus Hojlund’s contract with new club Napoli.
Hojlund joins Napoli
Manchester United officially announced on deadline day that Hojlund had completed a transfer to Napoli.
During the summer, Hojlund’s future at United was clouded in uncertainty, but it became evident he wasn’t part of the club’s plans once Ruben Amorim sidelined him at the start of the season.
Despite his wish to continue at Old Trafford, Hojlund’s exclusion from United’s matchday squads forced him to come to terms with the reality that he would have to move on. He accepted the terms that Napoli put on the table.
In addition to paying United a significant loan fee, the reigning Serie A champions retain the option to permanently sign Hojlund at the end of the campaign for €44m. This option becomes an obligation if Napoli qualify for the Champions League.
In his first address as a Napoli player, Hojlund claimed that he is much better due to his experiences in England with United.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Partenopei inserted a release clause into Hojlund’s deal, valued at around €90m.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that this figure actually stands €85m and is payable over a three-year period. Romano has also divulged when it kicks in.
In addition to this, the Italian journalist notes that Hojlund still has to play a minimum number of matches for the loan option to become mandatory.
Romano makes revelation about Hojlund’s deal
Romano wrote on X, “The release clause into Rasmus Højlund’s contract at Napoli is worth €85m and only valid from summer 2027.”
“Understand it’s gonna be split in three years in terms of payment schedule.”
Romano also said on YouTube, “I wanted to mention something on [Hojlund] to clarify the numbers of the deal, as there was confusion in the final days.”
“Manchester United received £5.2 million paid immediately, plus coverage of the salary of Hojlund for this season. [Napoli] will have a buy option close to £38 million.”
“This buy option clause can become mandatory based on Napoli qualifying for the Champions League. And then on the appearances of the player. So there is a number of appearances that have to be guaranteed in order for Napoli to trigger the buy obligation for Hojlund.”
“Man United are quite confident about that because the player also wants to move on a permanent transfer, not a loan.”
Although Romano notes that everyone involved wants the loan to turn permanent, the minimum-appearance clause adds a layer of complexity. As a result, Hojlund must prove his worth under Antonio Conte.
Hojlund scored 26 goals for United in 95 competitive appearances since joining the side from Atalanta in the summer of 2023.
The 22-year-old could make his Napoli debut on Saturday, 13 September, when they go away to Fiorentina.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
