Manchester United and Napoli have officially confirmed the transfer of Rasmus Højlund to the Serie A champions. The Danish striker joins on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy included in the deal, as clarified by Napoli.
United confirmed the initial terms of the agreement in a club statement:
“Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund has joined Napoli on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, subject to international clearance and registration.”
The statement also noted Højlund’s contributions since arriving at Old Trafford:
“Højlund has made 95 appearances for the Reds since signing from Atalanta in August 2023, scoring 26 goals. He was part of the squad that lifted the Emirates FA Cup at the end of the 2023/24 season, coming on as a substitute in the final against Manchester City.”
“Rasmus has agreed a move to the Serie A champions, now managed by Antonio Conte. Napoli will be the fifth club of his professional career, following previous spells at Copenhagen, Sturm Graz, Atalanta, and United. We wish Rasmus the best of luck for the season ahead.”
Napoli also issued a welcome statement, confirming the obligation to buy:
“SSC Napoli announces that it has acquired the sporting services of footballer Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United Football Club on loan with an obligation to buy.”
The Italian club also highlighted the striker’s development:
“Born on February 4, 2003, the Danish footballer rose through the youth systems of Brøndby, Holbæk, and FC Copenhagen. After a year with Sturm Graz, he joined Atalanta in August 2022, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances. The following season, he moved to Manchester United, where he netted 26 times in 95 matches. At international level, he has scored eight goals in 26 appearances for Denmark. Welcome, Rasmus!”
The move brings an end to what many consider an underwhelming two-year stint at Manchester United following his £64 million transfer from Atalanta. Despite showing glimpses of promise, Højlund struggled for consistency, managing just four goals in 32 Premier League matches last season.
