Fabrizio Romano explains exactly when Napoli plan to finalise €44m permanent Hojlund deal

Rasmus Hojlund has been brilliant since heading out on loan to Napoli. The Manchester United loanee is enjoying a fine run of form, scoring eight goals in his last ten appearances for club and country, an impressive return considering his struggles in front of goal last season. Unfortunately, just as Hojlund appeared to have rediscovered his scoring touch, he picked up a thigh injury. The setback has ruled him out of Napoli’s last two matches, both of which ended in defeat, a telling sign of the impact the Danish striker is already having on their play. Permanent switch guaranteed Napoli have been quick to recognise his potential. Their manager Antonio Conte recently raved about Hojlund, describing him as a “serious player” and underscoring his long-term value. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also confirmed recently that it is almost guaranteed the Partenopei will exercise the €44 million (£38m) option to make the deal permanent. After agreeing on an initial €6 million (£5m) loan fee, Napoli also secured a £38 million obligation to buy, triggered if they qualify for the Champions League. While those terms did hint at when Hojlund’s move could become permanent, Romano has now dropped another bombshell. Permanent deal very soon Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed: “No, I don’t think Rasmus Hojlund will go back to Manchester United. My feeling is very clear. Rasmus Hojlund, well, now he’s injured; he’s been injured for the last few games, but as you mentioned, he started very well in Serie A and Champions League with Napoli. “And the expectation of all parties involved—players, agents, clubs, both Napoli and United—is for the €44 million buy option clause to be triggered this month. “So very soon, very, very soon, in the next month, let’s say, like this, because there is an obligation to buy element included in the agreement, and this could be triggered quite soon.” With United reportedly planning to spend up to €120 million (£100m) in January, with Ousmane Diomande and Oihan Sancet among the targets, the £38 million windfall from Napoli in November would be a timely boost. Redemption chance It is unfortunate that Hojlund never truly hit the heights at the Theatre of Dreams. But thankfully, he has been given the platform to turn things around. At Napoli, he may yet grow into the world-beater many believed he could become when United splashed £72 million to sign him from Atalanta in 2023. That said, with Benjamin Sesko now finding the net in back-to-back starts for United, INEOS will feel they have secured the ideal replacement for Hojlund. United fans will be hoping that proves to be the case. Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.