Napoli are reportedly close to securing a deal for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, with both clubs said to have reached a verbal agreement. The Danish forward is being lined up as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who is currently sidelined with a thigh injury.
According to Football Italia, Napoli have been in talks with United over the past few days and the Red Devils are open to letting Hojlund make the switch to the Serie A side.
The injury to Lukaku, expected to keep him out for an extended period, has prompted Napoli to look for reinforcements up front. Hojlund has emerged as a strong candidate, initially considered for a loan deal.
Now, however, Napoli are reportedly preparing a loan offer with an option to buy, which has encouraged United to agree in principle. The proposed deal would see Hojlund join Napoli on a season-long loan, with a €45 million option to make the move permanent.
United are unlikely to stand in the way, as Hojlund is understood to be on their list of potential departures. The 22-year-old has not featured in United’s opening two Premier League matches this season.
Should the move go through, Hojlund would return to familiar territory in Serie A, where he made a name for himself during a successful stint with Atalanta between 2022 and 2023. During his time there, he scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances.
That form was enough to convince Manchester United to sign him in the summer of 2023 for a reported €77 million. However, Hojlund has struggled to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, registering just 26 goals and six assists in 95 appearances.
