Manchester United are already hard at work in the transfer market, with Rasmus Heylund officially set to pursue a move after spending last summer on loan in Italy.
Rasmus Hojlund leaves Manchester United permanently (Image: PA)
Rasmus Hjølund, who failed at Manchester United, has moved to Napoli for £38 million.
Hoylund was on loan to the Italian giants this season. And after impressing manager Antonio Conte, Napoli took up the option to make his contract permanent.
The Denmark international scored 16 goals in 44 appearances for Napoli, helping them win the Supercoppa Italia and become runners-up in Serie A. It is said that he has no intention of returning to Old Trafford and is happy to have his long-term future decided.
Hoylund joined United from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million. However, he failed to make an impact, scoring just 14 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions.
His form was so poor that he became the subject of teasing in some parts of United’s fan base, who nicknamed him “Lasmith”. And United’s bosses were so disappointed with Hojlund that they decided to spend a further £66.3m on forward Benjamin Sesco last summer.
Hoylund rediscovered his best performance in Naples and lived his life on the Amalfi Coast. And United have now cut their losses on him, with a deal agreed between the clubs in January.
A statement on Manchester United’s official website confirming Hojlund’s departure read: “Rasmus Hojlund has joined Napoli on a permanent transfer.
Hojlund had a much better time in Italy (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“The Denmark international spent last season on loan at the Italian club, scoring 16 goals in 44 games in all competitions, and has now joined Napoli permanently.
A United fan since childhood, he signed from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 and went on to make 95 appearances and score 26 goals.
“He came on as a substitute against Manchester City at Wembley and was part of the Reds team that won the Emirates FA Cup in May 2024.
“At the beginning of the 2025/26 season, Hoylund returned to Italy on a season-long loan and helped Napoli win the Supercoppa Italiana and become runners-up in Serie A. Everyone at the club wishes Rasmus all the best for the future.”
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