Manchester United are willing to allow Rasmus Højlund to join Napoli permanently in the January transfer window after his successful start back in Italy, according to reports.
The Red Devils spent around £200m in attack in the summer transfer window, with Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco moving to Old Trafford.
Only four Premier League clubs have scored fewer goals than Man United in 2024/25, with Hujlund and Joshua Zirkzee receiving a lot of criticism.
Heylund and Zirksee scored just seven goals in the Premier League last season, with the former being allowed to join Serie A champions Napoli on loan.
Hylund’s contract with the Italian club, where he previously played for Atalanta, includes a £38m option for next summer, but the Daily Mirror report that Napoli are “in talks with United to bring the deal forward”.
Manchester United have “give the green light” to sign Hoylund, who scored four goals in his first six appearances in all competitions in Serie A, to join Napoli on a permanent contract in January.
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The paper added: “And with United looking to release the Danish forward as soon as possible, the English giants will aim to finalize negotiations with Napoli in the coming weeks.”
“Napoli want to exercise their obligation to sign Hoylund and negotiations are thought to be at an advanced stage. Hoylund became the laughing stock of Old Trafford after failing to add to his dismal goalscoring record.
Robert Lewandowski, whose contract with Barcelona expires this summer, has been linked with a move to Manchester United after it was reported last week that manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe had blocked a potential deal due to his age and salary demands.
Outside of Saudi Arabia, football finance expert Stefan Bolson claims Manchester United are “probably one of the few clubs that could even consider bringing Lewandowski in on a big salary”.
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Bolson told Football Insider:
“I think strikers are in a slightly different category than other players and can probably get very high salaries from more clubs and in more places.
“So the United States is a prime example, but in the short term he could potentially move to one or two other clubs in Europe. Obviously, if you’re being paid, say, £400,000 a week, it’s not a big market.”
Bolson added: “If you go outside of Saudi Arabia, Manchester United would probably be one of the few clubs that could consider it.
“I think it’s unlikely given their recent stance on wages and what they’re going to do with their overall wage bill. I don’t think it’s likely that they’ll take a step back.”
“The chances are that he will extend his contract at Barcelona with a reduced salary or go to Saudi Arabia.”
