Out of chances, why is MU suddenly being targeted by a top club?

Rasmus Hojlund is expected to depart MU this summer, with Napoli surprisingly interested in the 22-year-old forward to fill the gap left by Romelu Lukaku’s extended absence due to injury.

Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Manchester United appears to be coming to an end as Napoli have shown special interest in the Danish striker. This move is seen as a swift response from the 2023 Serie A champions after Romelu Lukaku was sidelined with a serious injury and faces a lengthy recovery.

According to talkSPORT, MU has informed Hojlund that he is free to leave after being dropped from the squad for the Premier League opener against Arsenal. The 22-year-old striker, who joined Old Trafford from Atalanta in summer 2023 for £72 million, is currently valued at around £40 million. United prefers a permanent sale but is also open to a loan if suitable terms are found.

With Lukaku set to be out for at least three months due to a thigh injury, Napoli has made Hojlund their top target to strengthen their attack. Previously, the Italian club signed Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese, but coach Antonio Conte still wants another center forward for their Serie A and Champions League campaigns. If the deal goes through, Hojlund will reunite with former teammate Scott McTominay, who was named Serie A’s Player of the Season last year and played a key role in Napoli’s Scudetto win.

Napoli not only offers Hojlund the chance to play regularly but also provides a ticket to the Champions League, something MU cannot offer after a disappointing season. This is considered a key advantage for the Italian side in attracting the young striker’s attention.

The arrival of coach Ruben Amorim has brought significant changes to United’s attack. This summer alone, MU has signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, and Benjamin Sesko. As a result, Hojlund has slipped down the pecking order and was even omitted from the squad for the Arsenal match.

Coach Amorim has also emphasized his philosophy of fierce competition: “At United, if you don’t do what’s required, someone else will take your place. I’ve made many mistakes, but I always ensure those who deserve it get to play. Rasmus Hojlund shares similar qualities with Sesko, so we have to consider and make our choices.”

Once expected to be United’s main striker, Hojlund is now seen as surplus to requirements after a season that failed to impress. Strategic changes and new signings have pushed him closer to an exit.

Besides Napoli, AC Milan has also shown strong interest. The Rossoneri prefer a loan deal with an option to buy. Sporting director Igli Tare confirmed: “Hojlund is a good option for Milan. We are considering it, but in the transfer market, nothing can be predicted.”

Previously, MU included Hojlund in talks with RB Leipzig regarding Sesko, but he refused to leave Old Trafford. However, after Sesko’s arrival, the Danish striker must accept that his future no longer lies in Manchester.

With both Napoli and AC Milan entering the race, the prospect of Hojlund returning to Serie A is becoming more likely. Once a £72 million “blockbuster” signing, Hojlund now faces a crucial crossroads to revive his career in the league where he once shined.