Fabrizio Romano Issues Update On Potential Shock Man United Return After Hojlund Scores 4th Goal In 6 Games

Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund is “almost guaranteed” to join Napoli on a permanent basis at the end of the season, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said the conditions of the deal mean that Napoli are completely in control of whether he stays in Italy next summer:

“For Hojlund, I keep telling you guys, the Napoli intention is very clear. Apart from the obligation to buy included in the deal – for €44 million (£38m) – Napoli want to keep the player. Napoli trust Hojlund and they see him as part of their long-term project.

“It’s a loan with buy option that might become an obligation – but it’s seen by the other parties involved in this deal as a future permanent transfer, almost guaranteed.”

Man United don’t have the ability to recall the forward

There is no recall option in the loan agreement for Hojlund, and the mandatory purchase clause is only dependent on Napoli qualifying for the Champions League.

As Romano points out, though, even if they don’t finish in the top four, the Serie A champions also have a buy option, which they can trigger to sign him for €44m (£38m).

Hojlund has been in excellent form

The Denmark international scored the winner for Napoli at the weekend as they came from behind to beat Genoa 2-1. He has now found the back of the net 4 times in his first six appearances since moving to Naples.

It is a stark contrast to Hojlund’s form for the Red Devils last season when he scored just 4 league goals across the whole campaign.

However, with Benjamin Sesko finding his feet after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, there are fewer concerns that United have backed the wrong horse.

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here