Rasmus Hojlund has joined Serie A kingpins Napoli on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to purchase, after a traumatic two-year spell with Manchester United.
Gli Azzurri will pay a fee in the region of £5 million for his services, with an obligation to purchase for £38m at the end of the season should Antonio Conte’s side earn Champions League qualification.
The 22-year-old rejoins Italian football’s premier competition following a solitary campaign with Atalanta in 2022-23, where he earned an impressive 10 goals and four assists in his debut outing as a teenager.
Having struggled to solidify a place at the head of Ruben Amorim’s attack, United opted for an alternative striker in the shape of Slovenian star Benjamin Sesko.
Hojlund departs the North West with a memorable FA Cup winners’ medal alongside 26 goals and six assists throughout his Manchester journey.
Rasmus Hojlund returns to Champions League football with McTominay and Napoli
Although many players have succumbed to heavy criticism following United’s worst Premier League performance, few have been targeted as much as Hojlund.
Undeniably, a return of 10 goals and four assists in all competitions was below the expected level from the Copenhagen native.
Still, while he was responsible for many of his downturns in form, his surroundings and lack of coherent attack played a major role. Despite his best efforts, regular goalscoring opportunities were often limited.
While it is simplistic for me to point out the statistical nuances from the previous campaign, the evidence is there for all to see.
He joins a Napoli side, spearheaded by former Red Scott McTominay, with aspirations of retaining their Serie A title while embarking on a memorable Champions League campaign.
Although Rasmus has not been able to achieve his boyhood dream of leading United on their quest for additional silverware, his commitment to the club and desire to remain without resorting to unsavoury antics are well documented.
Everybody at the Theatre of Red thanks our former number nine for his time and efforts, and wishes him the very best for the remainder of his career.
What are your thoughts on Rasmus Hojlund’s departure, and how do you think he will get on at Napoli?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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