Napoli Chief Confirms Højlund Deal as 'Formality'
Napoli have all but confirmed the permanent signing of striker Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United, with sporting director Giovanni Manna describing the move as a "formality". The Danish forward has impressed during his loan spell in Serie A, making the club's obligation to buy almost certain.
Loan Spell Triggers Obligation to Buy
Højlund, 22, joined the Italian champions on loan last summer and has since scored nine goals in 20 appearances. His latest contribution was a decisive brace in Napoli's 2-0 victory away at Cremonese on Sunday. Crucially, the loan agreement includes an obligation for Napoli to make the transfer permanent if they qualify for the Champions League. With the club currently sitting third in Serie A, that condition has effectively been met.
Manna revealed the club's delight at securing the player, telling Corriere dello Sport: "We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it." He added that both the club and the player consider the move settled, stating: "The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important."
United's Struggles Contrast with Napoli's Gain
The transfer represents a significant shift for Højlund, who joined Manchester United from Atalanta in August 2023 for a fee rising to £72 million. During his time at Old Trafford, he managed 14 goals in 62 Premier League appearances. Napoli are expected to pay a fee of around £38 million to secure his services permanently.
His departure has left a void at United, which his replacement, Benjamin Sesko, has struggled to fill. Sesko, signed from RB Leipzig for up to £73.7 million, has scored only twice. United's woes were compounded by a disappointing end to 2025, finishing sixth after a 1-1 draw with Wolves that saw fans boo the team off the pitch.
Former captain Gary Neville was scathing in his assessment, calling the performance "the baddest of the bad" and criticising manager Ruben Amorim's "bizarre" substitutions, including the tactical withdrawal of goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee at half-time.
As Napoli celebrate locking down a key asset for their future, Manchester United are left to ponder a costly transfer that hasn't worked out and a season that continues to fall short of expectations.
