The 4 Most Likely Teams to Sign Rasmus Hojlund This Summer
Rasmus Hojlund’s time at Manchester United appears to be nearing its end. The club paid £72 million to Atalanta for the Danish striker after only one season in Serie A, hoping to secure a young forward who could develop into a reliable goalscorer at Old Trafford. Two years later, Hojlund’s trajectory looks far less certain.
He has fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Benjamin Šeško and other attacking signings. Manager Ruben Amorim left him out of the squad for United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal, a decision widely viewed as confirmation that the 22-year-old is no longer central to the club’s plans. What happens next could define his career. Several clubs have come up as potential next stops, but only a few stand out as serious contenders. Let’s break down the four most realistic destinations.
Napoli Step Up Negotiations
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Steindy
Among the clubs linked to Hojlund, Napoli stand out as the most concrete suitor. Reports from Italy and England confirm that the Serie A champions are in direct talks with Manchester United. Napoli have moved beyond exploring a simple loan and are prepared to include an obligation-to-buy clause, a structure that United favors.
This development followed a series of setbacks for Antonio Conte’s side. Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli last season, has been sidelined with a serious injury, while Gianluca Raspadori departed for Atlético Madrid and Giovanni Simeone left for Torino. These moves left Conte with limited forward options and created an urgent need for reinforcements.
Napoli’s pursuit of Hojlund fits their immediate priorities while also giving the striker a chance to return to Serie A, where he previously thrived with Atalanta. Champions League qualification adds to the appeal, ensuring Hojlund could compete at the highest level rather than remain on the margins at Old Trafford. They are the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
AC Milan’s Interest Has Faded
AC Milan were among the first clubs linked with Hojlund once his reduced role at United became apparent. Sporting director Igli Tare even described the forward as “a good option,” confirming their admiration.
Early negotiations centered on a loan deal with an option to buy, as United remained reluctant to sanction a permanent exit at a reduced price. However, Milan’s approach shifted after they completed the signing of Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen. Boniface’s arrival strengthened their depth in attack and made a move for Hojlund less pressing.
Sources indicate that Milan tabled a loan proposal worth around £4.5 million, with an option to buy for £39 million, but the deal stalled as United prioritized permanent solutions. With Napoli accelerating talks, Milan’s position in the race has weakened considerably, and while they are still a possibility, they no longer appear to be leading contenders.
RB Leipzig Links Have Cooled
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Steffen Prößdorf
RB Leipzig were also connected to Hojlund earlier in the summer, particularly when discussions over Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United were ongoing.
Reports suggested that Hojlund’s name surfaced during negotiations, with some speculation that he could be part of the wider deal. Leipzig has since added Göztepe striker Rômulo to their squad and already has Loïs Openda leading the line.
As a result, their need for another striker is reduced, even though their model often involves investing in young talent.
Newcastle Monitoring Options
In England, Newcastle United have been mentioned as a potential destination. Their transfer activity has been shaped by uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future, with the Swedish forward linked to Liverpool.
Newcastle has also encountered difficulties in securing other striker targets. Reports confirm they missed out on Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Šeško, while Brentford continue to resist approaches for Yoane Wissa.
This shortage of available forwards has placed Newcastle in a difficult position, and Hojlund has been noted in some coverage as a possible fallback.
Hojlund’s career crossroads are clear. After two inconsistent seasons at Manchester United, the Danish forward has been pushed to the fringes by Amorim’s squad decisions and the arrival of new attacking signings.
Napoli’s pressing need for a striker, their Champions League status, and their willingness to structure a deal with an obligation to buy make them the most serious destination at present. AC Milan’s interest is debatable following the acquisition of Boniface. Leipzig seems to have stepped back after bolstering their frontline, and Newcastle’s situation remains fluid.
For Hojlund, a switch could provide the reset he needs to rebuild confidence and fulfill the potential that first persuaded United to invest so heavily in him.