Man United forward set for major pay rise at new club | OneFootball

Napoli Step Up Hojlund Pursuit as Transfer Talks Intensify

Napoli’s pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund has entered a decisive stage, with Gazzetta Dello Sport reporting that the Italian champions are working hard to finalise a deal for the Manchester United striker. The Denmark international “is open to the transfer” and Napoli are exploring either a permanent deal or a loan with an obligation to buy.

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Negotiations have been ongoing for days, with Napoli determined to strengthen their attack following Romelu Lukaku’s injury. The talks have involved lengthy phone calls, detailed discussions and strategic manoeuvring, with Milan’s late involvement adding pressure to the Serie A side’s efforts.

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Napoli Confident but Cautious

There is growing optimism in Naples that a deal can be struck. As one source noted, “The final stretch is the most complicated,” with distractions and competing interests making this a tense period for all parties. United are reportedly open to multiple deal structures, which has encouraged Napoli’s management.

Hojlund has been a long-term target and Napoli see him as a player who fits their tactical vision and future ambitions. Discussions have centred around a salary increase from €2.8m to between €4m and €4.5m per year under Aurelio De Laurentiis’ terms, with a plan to revisit his long-term future in 2026.

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Competitive Offer on the Table

Napoli’s pitch to Hojlund is clear: the chance to fight for the Scudetto, be a Champions League regular and join a dynamic squad featuring top names such as Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay. For the 21-year-old striker, it offers a fresh start after a difficult period at Old Trafford where he has been left without consistent opportunities.

The negotiations are being led by Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna, who has been relentless in his efforts to counter Milan’s interest and persuade Hojlund to avoid spending another week “in limbo” in Manchester.

Wider Transfer Implications

Napoli’s priority is to resolve Hojlund’s future before shifting focus to other targets, including Eljif Elmas and Marco Brescianini. For Manchester United, a sale or loan would ease squad congestion and potentially free up funds, but losing such a young forward highlights their uncertain transfer strategy under new leadership.

With less than a week remaining in the window, this saga has become one of Europe’s most intriguing late-market stories.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United fans will be deeply frustrated to see Rasmus Hojlund’s name dominate transfer headlines again, especially with talk of him being offered to Napoli. For many supporters, the Danish striker was supposed to be a cornerstone of United’s future, a symbol of the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent. His early flashes of brilliance, combined with his energy and hunger, had fans excited for what he could become.

Instead, United appear willing to entertain loan or sale offers, which feels like another misstep in their planning. While Napoli can offer Champions League football and a stable system, there is disappointment that Old Trafford has not been able to provide the same platform. The club’s lack of attacking depth only deepens concerns that letting Hojlund go would leave them exposed.

Fans understand that balancing books under PSR pressures has influenced decisions, but this feels short-sighted. Watching a player with Hojlund’s potential thrive elsewhere would be painful, especially if United’s recruitment team fails to secure a proven replacement. Supporters want to see a coherent strategy built around youth, not one where promising players are pushed out the door too soon.