Manchester United Confirm Permanent Departure of Rasmus Hojlund in €50m Napoli Deal

Manchester United have confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent transfer to Napoli in a deal reportedly worth €50 million — a development that may disappoint former United striker Michael Owen.

The Denmark international spent the 2025/26 season on loan with the Italian club and has now made the move permanent following the activation of an obligation-to-buy clause included in the agreement.

Hojlund enjoyed an encouraging campaign in Italy, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists in 44 appearances across all competitions as Napoli secured a second-place finish in Serie A and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Napoli paid an initial €6 million loan fee last summer, with the permanent transfer valued at a further €44 million, bringing the total package to €50 million (£43.2 million).

In a statement confirming the transfer, Manchester United said:

“Rasmus Hojlund has joined Napoli on a permanent transfer.

“The Denmark international spent last season on loan at the Italian club, scoring 16 times in 44 games across all competitions, and has now permanently joined the Neapolitans.

“The boyhood United supporter signed from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 and went on to score 26 goals in 95 appearances.

“He was part of the squad that lifted the Emirates FA Cup in May 2024, having appeared as a substitute against Manchester City at Wembley.

“At the beginning of the 2025/26 season, Hojlund returned to Italy on a season-long loan, helping Napoli win the Supercoppa Italiana and finish runners-up in Serie A.

“Everyone at the club wishes Rasmus all the very best for the future.”

Owen’s Earlier View Contrasts With United’s Decision

United’s decision to finalise Hojlund’s departure may come as a disappointment to Michael Owen, who previously argued that the striker deserved another opportunity at Old Trafford.

Speaking in May, Owen suggested that Hojlund had not been given the right environment to showcase his ability during his spell in Manchester.

He argued that evaluating strikers becomes difficult when the team structure around them is underperforming and expressed interest in seeing how Hojlund might develop under a more stable setup.

Owen also pointed to the forward’s improved form in Italy as evidence that circumstances and team dynamics can significantly influence a player’s performances.

Despite those views, United have chosen to move forward without the 23-year-old, bringing an end to his time at Old Trafford after two seasons and 95 appearances.

For Hojlund, the move offers continuity and the opportunity to continue rebuilding momentum in a familiar environment where he has already delivered encouraging results.