Report: Man United €75m striker faces uncertain future as Serie A clubs circle for return | OneFootball

Rasmus Højlund Transfer Talk: Atalanta and Lazio Circling as United Exit Beckons

Rasmus Højlund’s Manchester United journey, one year on from his high-profile €75 million move from Atalanta, could already be approaching its end. According to FootMercato, the Danish striker is seeking a way out this summer, with both Atalanta and Lazio exploring a potential move to bring the 22-year-old back to Serie A.

Despite brief flashes of promise — notably in the Champions League and a purple patch at the start of 2024 — Højlund’s time in the Premier League has been defined by injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of service from a malfunctioning United midfield. His physical adaptation to the English game has also come under scrutiny, with FootMercato noting that “intensity and physicality have been a problem for him.

Amorim’s Arrival Adds Uncertainty

The arrival of Rúben Amorim at Old Trafford has done little to solidify Højlund’s standing. From early pre-season sessions, it appears that Joshua Zirkzee has made a stronger impression on the Portuguese coach. FootMercato writes: “Joshua Zirkzee has scored points and now seems to have a head start in the attacking hierarchy.”

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With Randal Kolo Muani and others names on United’s radar, Højlund risks slipping even further down the pecking order — and that’s before United dip into the transfer market. “If either of them were to sign, Højlund would see his playing time reduced even further,” FootMercato reports.

Italian Interest Growing

While Juventus’ long-term interest hasn’t translated into action, Lazio and Atalanta are now firmly monitoring Højlund’s situation. New Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is reportedly an admirer of Højlund’s profile and sees him as a serious candidate to lead the line.

Meanwhile, Atalanta, who helped launch Højlund into the European spotlight, may look to bring their “Danish nugget” back following the departure of Mateo Retegui and with Ademola Lookman linked with a move away. FootMercato suggests his fit in Ivan Juric’s tactical system would be natural, drawing parallels with Gian Piero Gasperini’s setup in which Højlund previously thrived.

Complexities of a Return

But a return to Italy isn’t straightforward. FootMercato notes that “the main obstacle lies in the player’s salary, which is considered too high by Italian standards.” A loan with an option to buy, supported by partial wage contributions from Manchester United, is said to be one possible route.

That said, United may prefer to loan Højlund within the Premier League, possibly hoping for a Rashford-style revival akin to his success at Aston Villa. For now, the road back to Serie A is open — but financially and politically tangled.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, the latest Højlund developments are a mixture of frustration and realism. There’s a strong feeling among the fanbase that Højlund was thrown into the deep end far too early. At just 22, leading the line for a club in perpetual transition — with frequent tactical shifts and poor midfield service — was always going to be a tough ask.

That said, it’s also fair to admit that Højlund’s output hasn’t been consistent. His hold-up play and physicality, critical traits in Premier League football, remain works in progress. With Amorim now favouring Zirkzee and other strikers being scouted, it’s clear Højlund is no longer seen as indispensable.

The idea of a loan move to Italy or even a Premier League rival is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it could give Højlund the space and confidence to rediscover the form he showed in Bergamo. On the other, letting go of a €75 million investment after a relatively short time feels like a misfire in United’s long-standing recruitment struggles.

United fans will hope that if Højlund does depart, it’s on terms that protect both his development and the club’s long-term interests. The general consensus? He’s a talent worth preserving, but not at the cost of stagnation — for him or the club.