According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there is no chance of a return to Manchester United for Rasmus Hojlund in the Summer of 2026. Napoli have decided to activate the €45 million release clause to sign the Dane permanently.
Manchester United are set to officially part ways with striker Rasmus Hojlund, as Napoli have finalized their decision to make his loan move permanent.
In a definitive move, the Serie A club will trigger the €45 million (£38.5m approx.) buy option attached to Hojlund’s loan deal. This agreement means Hojlund will complete his two-season loan spell at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona before joining the Italian side on a full-time basis.
The End of a Short-Lived Era at Old Trafford
Hojlund’s situation, with “no chance” of a return to Man Utd as stated by Romano, marks an underwhelming end to the 22-year-old’s stint in the Premier League. He arrived at Old Trafford with significant expectations but failed to secure a consistent starting role, leading to his loan move to Napoli last summer.
Napoli’s willingness to pay the substantial €45 million fee indicates their satisfaction with Hojlund’s initial performances in Serie A. This will provide a significant financial boost for the Manchester United hierarchy to reinvest into the squad.
A Fresh Start in Serie A
For Hojlund, this move offers the stability and opportunity to rediscover his form in a league that may better suit his style of play. Napoli’s commitment to signing him permanently is a clear vote of confidence in the young Danish striker’s potential.
The transfer will be formally completed in the Summer 2026 transfer window, concluding Rasmus Hojlund’s time as a Manchester United player. It represents a clean break for both parties, giving Hojlund a clear long-term future and providing United with a respectable transfer fee.