Napoli Plot Hojlund Swoop for McTominay Reunion Amidst Price Concerns
Napoli are reportedly exploring a summer transfer for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, aiming to reunite him with former Red Devils teammate Scott McTominay. However, a significant hurdle stands in their way: Manchester United’s asking price, deemed ‘frightening’ by the Italian club, could potentially derail the move.
The Serie A champions are already strategizing for the upcoming transfer window and are actively seeking to bolster their attacking options. According to reports in Italy, Napoli have identified two primary forward targets as they prepare for potential squad adjustments.
Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca is firmly on Napoli’s radar. Lucca has impressed this season, netting 12 goals across different competitions, showcasing his potential as a valuable addition to the Napoli frontline.
Furthermore, Rasmus Hojlund has also emerged as a prominent target for Napoli. The Danish international, currently at Manchester United, is subject to transfer speculation following a somewhat challenging season in the Premier League. Despite high expectations and a hefty price tag upon arrival at Old Trafford, Hojlund’s goalscoring record in the league hasn’t quite matched early hopes.
Hojlund joined Manchester United for a substantial £72 million fee, yet he has only managed to score three Premier League goals this season. With potential summer restructuring at Manchester United anticipated, Hojlund’s future at the club remains uncertain, and Napoli are poised to explore a potential swoop.
Reports indicate that Hojlund himself would be open to a return to Italy, having previously played for Atalanta before his move to England. A return to Serie A could offer him a fresh start and the opportunity to rediscover his scoring form in a familiar league.
However, the primary obstacle for Napoli is Manchester United’s financial demands. The Red Devils are reportedly holding out for around £50 million for Hojlund. This price tag aims to minimize their financial loss on the player, but it represents a significant investment for Napoli.
Napoli reportedly views Manchester United’s £50 million valuation as ‘frightening’ and potentially beyond their budget for a single player in the summer window. This high asking price presents a major challenge to any potential transfer negotiations.
Despite the current financial impasse, the report suggests that Napoli remain hopeful. With the summer transfer window still some time away, there is optimism that circumstances could change, potentially creating room for negotiation and a possible agreement. Napoli are expected to monitor the situation closely and explore any opportunities that might arise to secure Hojlund’s signature.
Rasmus Hojlund in action for Manchester United. Image: Getty
Last season, Hojlund demonstrated his goal-scoring capabilities by netting 16 goals, offering glimpses of his potential and justifying the initial excitement surrounding his arrival at Manchester United.
However, this season, the 22-year-old has faced difficulties in front of goal, scoring a modest eight goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils. This dip in form has contributed to the transfer speculation and potential interest from clubs like Napoli.
Recently, Hojlund broke his goal drought with a goal in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory against Leicester City, offering a positive note amidst ongoing discussions about his future.
While on international duty with Denmark, Hojlund addressed the media concerning his future and current situation at Manchester United.
“I’m still very happy to be at Man United. It’s the club I’ve always dreamed of playing for. And I’m really happy for Ruben [Amorim]. He’s a cool character and a cool person,” Hojlund stated in a recent interview.
He further commented on recent managerial changes and his initial reasons for joining Manchester United: “I’m focused on the task with Ruben [Amorim] because that project is incredibly exciting, but Erik [ten Hag] was, of course, one of the reasons why I moved to Man United. He was doing something good and was a talented coach, but it didn’t work out, and that’s how it is.”
Key Transfer Points: Hojlund to Napoli?
- Napoli Interest: Keen to sign Rasmus Hojlund and reunite him with Scott McTominay.
- Other Targets: Also considering Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca as a forward option.
- Hojlund’s Price Tag: Manchester United demanding around £50 million.
- Napoli’s View: Consider the £50 million fee ‘frightening’ and potentially outside budget.
- Hojlund’s Situation: Open to returning to Italy; has had a mixed season at Man Utd (8 goals in 39 games this season).
- Negotiation Window: Napoli hopes to negotiate a deal as the summer transfer window approaches.
Will Napoli be able to navigate Manchester United’s price demands and bring Rasmus Hojlund to Serie A to link up with McTominay? The coming months will be crucial in determining if this potential reunion becomes a reality.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing transfer story.