Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent transfer to Napoli and has sent an emotional farewell to Manchester United as his time at the club officially concludes. The Danish striker spent the season on loan with the Italian side from the Red Devils, and the move has now been made permanent after Napoli secured Champions League football for next season, triggering a clause in the loan agreement.
Transfer Details
Napoli will pay €44 million (£38 million) for the 23-year-old, who scored 15 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions this season. The Denmark international spent two seasons at Manchester United after a £64 million move from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, netting 26 goals in 95 appearances.
Hojlund's Emotional Message
Hojlund took to Instagram to express his feelings, writing: 'This goal felt symbolic because it means two things. We now secured Champions League with Napoli, which means because of my contract I’m now officially a Napoli player and I’m saying goodbye to Manchester United. That feels weird, because for the past year I already feel like a Napoli player. The way you fans supported me, made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again is something I’m so grateful for. To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional too. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey. So the goal today symbolizes a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true. It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them.'
The forward scored the third goal in a 3-0 win at Pisa on Sunday, which secured Champions League football for Napoli, who are now certain of a top-four finish.
Previous Comments
In March, Hojlund spoke to Danish outlet TV2, saying: 'I got what I wanted with my transfer. I got a team that believes in me a lot... A sporting director, a president and a coach who wants me.'
Conte's Future
As for manager Antonio Conte's future at the club, he has left it uncertain with one match still to play this season. 'The president knows my thoughts, but not from today,' he said. 'They are already working for the future, we wait for the last match and then we will discuss with the owners what has been produced. I have already expressed my will for a month, but now we must focus on the match against Udinese. I would be disrespectful to the president and to our friendship if I were to say anything in advance today.'
