Napoli push for Højlund: Manchester United demand €45 million

The possibility of a Serie A return is back on the agenda

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, despite Højlund publicly stating that he is “not thinking about leaving,” he remains open to the idea of returning to Serie A. His breakthrough with Atalanta during the 2022–23 season still resonates strongly in Italy. Napoli’s sporting project, reshaped under the leadership of Antonio Conte, is said to appeal to the player.

Goal contribution fell short of the investment

Manchester United signed Højlund from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 for €77.8 million. However, during the 2024–25 season, he scored just 10 goals and registered 4 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. In total, he has contributed 26 goals and 6 assists in 95 games for the club, attracting criticism for his lack of impact. Sky Sports highlighted in February 2025 that Højlund had gone 14 matches without a goal and had struggled to make an impact in big games.

Ruben Amorim’s system did not suit him

Since taking over in November 2024, Ruben Amorim has implemented structural changes during his eight-month tenure at Manchester United. His system prioritises strikers with strong passing links, technical ability, and sharp decision-making. Højlund has not met those expectations. Former captain Rio Ferdinand commented in February, “Højlund is physically strong, but lacks the technical quality and football intelligence the system demands.”

According to Corriere dello Sport, United have placed Højlund on the transfer list and are only considering direct sale offers. The asking price is set at €45 million. Inter’s offer of a loan with an option to buy was reportedly rejected by the club.

Inter’s low-risk approach

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both reported that Inter submitted a loan + purchase option deal for Højlund. However, this model does not align with United’s preference for an outright sale. Corriere stated that while Inter are seriously interested in the player, negotiations have stalled due to a performance-based and instalment-heavy structure. United’s firm stance has pushed Inter’s approach into the background.

Napoli’s advantage: technical and financial alignment

According to OneFootball, Antonio Conte views Højlund as a striker well-suited to his system thanks to his physicality, Serie A experience, and age profile. In Napoli’s two-striker setup, Conte wants to utilise Højlund’s penalty box presence to raise the team’s attacking tempo. La Gazzetta dello Sport also noted that Højlund is open to the idea of playing alongside stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Scott McTominay.

In January 2025, Napoli sold Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain for €70 million, and the proceeds from that deal have put them in a financially favourable position to fund the Højlund transfer. The club is capable of completing the deal through a direct payment.

Financial equation: Matheus Cunha and strategic fit

From a technical staff perspective, offloading Højlund is seen not just as a financial move, but as a system-based necessity. The Guardian’s 5 April 2025 analysis noted that Ruben Amorim prioritises players who match specific physical and mental profiles, and that Højlund no longer fits this framework. The coaching staff have reportedly approved his sale for this reason.

The Guardian also reported that United’s summer signing of Matheus Cunha would largely be financed through player sales. In that context, revenue from Højlund’s departure will contribute to balancing the club’s books and support a broader strategy of offloading players who do not align with Amorim’s tactical vision.

Player profile: physical strength behind a developing skill set

Rasmus Højlund is effective in making runs in behind the defence thanks to his strength, stamina, and explosive sprinting ability. Despite standing 1.91 metres tall, he remains mobile for a centre-forward. At Atalanta, under Gasperini’s system, his most notable strength was these vertical runs behind the defence. He was a valuable weapon for disrupting defensive lines. Atalanta’s transition-based system often gave him space to exploit, whereas at Manchester United, such space has been harder to find due to Premier League teams’ tighter, more physical low blocks.

He is a capable first-time finisher inside the box. His left foot is a real asset. However, this remains at the “potential” stage. At 22, he is still in a phase of technical and mental development. His professionalism and physical discipline have been praised.

His vision and link-up play are weak. When receiving the ball, he struggles to offer clear options to teammates. He is limited in playing with his back to goal and acting as a passing outlet. Around the box and in transition phases, he often makes decisions too slowly. At times, he gets caught in individual actions and wastes the opportunity. He struggles to beat defenders in tight spaces or take them on one-on-one. In the Premier League, this is a clear shortcoming.

Rasmus Højlund is currently a player with high physical potential but room for growth in his mental and technical attributes. He could be effective in the right system, particularly if surrounded by teammates capable of linking play.

a pivotal moment in his career

Napoli’s €45 million offer is expected to become official. This transfer represents more than just a change of clubs; it is a critical turning point both for Højlund’s career and for Manchester United’s tactical transition. For the Danish forward, a return to Serie A offers a chance to redefine his technical profile, regain confidence, and find consistency.

For Manchester United, the sale would help finance a squad more in tune with Ruben Amorim’s system. Offloading Højlund is central to their strategy of generating funds and improving tactical cohesion.