Højlund Heads Back To Serie A

Fabrizio Romano reported that Rasmus Højlund has agreed on a deal to leave Man United.

The Red Devils have arrived at a verbal agreement with Napoli, who will bring him to southern Italy for a loan fee of €6 million. Under certain conditions, including qualification for the Champions League, the 22-year-old would go back to Serie A permanently next summer for another €44 million.

This deal would wrap up a two year stint for the Dane at Old Trafford. What was always a risk for his career has cratered his confidence, and he now looks to rebuild his reputation out of the limelight.

A gamble gone wrong
Højlund came to the club from Atalanta for a fee of £64 million with up to £8 million in add-ons. A tally of nine goals in 32 Serie A appearances was not groundbreaking, but there were athletic tools to work with for a player who was 20 when he chose to try his hand at football in the Premier League.

But the lights are always bright at Man United, no matter how badly the team are doing on the pitch.

Erik ten Hag had dwindling faith in Anthony Martial and Antony, while an explosive fallout with Jadon Sancho stripped the attack of another senior option. Marcus Rashford could not continue the hot streak of the 2022/23 season, and the burden was quickly falling upon the striker’s shoulders.

Without doubt, there were highlights from his debut campaign: he scored five goals in six Champions League outings and he became the youngest player to score in six straight Premier League fixtures.

But the bad times became more pronounced. Last term, Højlund endured a streak of 21 games without a goal in all competitions as the Red Devils put up the fifth lowest goal tally in the Premier League.

The arrival of £200 million in offensive talent this summer was the final signal that the Dane was unwanted. He now prepares to work with Antonio Conte, a manager known for reclamation projects.

Two, Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, had once played for Man United. They spearheaded Napoli to a Scudetto charge last season and could be compelling Højlund to test his luck at a revival.

Vavel.com