Once Manchester United tie up the Bryan Mbeumo deal, their focus is likely to shift to recruiting an elite striker. But before that, the future of Rasmus Hojlund needs to be sorted.
It is clear that the Dane is not ready to lead the line for the Premier League giants, managing only four league goals in all of last season, while generally struggling with his overall play.
Ruben Amorim wants him gone, but INEOS were aware that due to the Denmark international’s poor form, they would struggle to recoup the initial £64 million they paid in 2023.
Which is why there were reluctantly open to a loan exit, with Inter Milan joining Juventus, and Real Madrid in the race. In order to beat the competition, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio even flew to London for face-to-face talks.
Rasmus Hojlund’s exit draws ever nearer
The Nerazzurri were offering a loan with an option or obligation to buy if certain conditions were met, while United were looking for a permanent solution given their cash crunch.
As revealed by Corriere dello Sport, while an agreement could not be found on the formula for the deal, there was a general acceptance between both parties that Rasmus Hojlund was worth around €40-€45 million.
“Inter are aiming for a loan with a simple right of redemption, otherwise an obligation but tied to some conditions. United has not yet opened up to a temporary transfer and are insisting on an immediate permanent transfer.
“If nothing else, there is greater harmony on the evaluation of Hojlund’s price tag. Two summers ago, Atalanta took home over 70 million, bonuses included. But, in the Premier League, he didn’t work. And so now, 40-45 million could be enough to take him away.”
The report also highlights how the Champions League finalists were initially looking at both the 22-year-old and Joshua Zirkzee but United have decided to keep the Dutchman around.
Loan exit or permanent exit?
Interestingly, The Daily Mail have a contrary view on this. They have said that after further meetings, the Serie A side are now open to the possibility of a permanent move for the Danish ace.
“Inter Milan have made further contact with Manchester United about a permanent move for striker Rasmus Hojlund.”
While such a change of heart would suit INEOS just fine, it goes against what the Italian media have consistently reported over the course of the last few days.
The Mail also do not specify a fixed amount. So there is no clarity on United’s final asking price. If Rasmus Hojlund does end up leaving, it is likely to be along the likes of Jadon Sancho’s recent Chelsea spell wherein the Blues were obligated to buy him after certain conditions were met.
For United’s sake, they will be hoping their No.9 can succeed back in Italy unlike Sancho, so that Inter do not take the penalty route and send him back to Old Trafford again!
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
