Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has described Rasmus Højlund’s permanent transfer from Manchester United as a “formality.”
The Denmark striker joined the Serie A champions on loan last summer and has impressed, scoring nine goals in 20 appearances, including a double in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Cremonese. Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, occupying one of Italy’s four Champions League places.
“We did everything we could to sign him,” Manna told Corriere dello Sport. “There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it. There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important.”
When asked if the permanent transfer was simply a “formality,” Manna replied: “As of today, I think so.”
Højlund originally joined Manchester United from Atalanta in August 2023 for £64 million ($86m), with potential add-ons of £8 million ($11m). The 22-year-old scored 14 goals in 62 Premier League appearances. Reports indicate the fee for his move to Napoli will be around €44 million (£38m, $51m).
Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, who joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig as Højlund’s replacement in a deal worth up to £73.7 million ($100m), has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, scoring only twice so far.
