Napoli have activated the €44 million buy clause to sign striker Rasmus Højlund permanently from Manchester United as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna reportedly confirmed that the Danish forward is considered part of the club’s long-term project, regardless of whether the team qualifies for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Romano reported:
Napoli will trigger €44m buy option clause for Rasmus Højlund, as always reported. Director Manna confirms: “There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from #MUFC in case of UCL access — but he is in our plans regardless of this condition”.
Højlund initially joined Napoli on loan in September 2025, two years after Manchester United signed him for around €75 million in 2023. Since arriving in Italy, the 23-year-old has rediscovered his scoring touch, recording 9 goals and 2 assists in 24 appearances in the Serie A campaign.
Softfootball understands that the permanent move allows Manchester United to recover €44 million from the transfer, adding to funds expected from other departures as the club prepares for squad changes in the upcoming transfer window. During his time in England, Højlund scored 16 goals in the Premier League across two seasons.
For Napoli, the deal secures a young striker entering his prime and strengthens their attacking options as the club continues rebuilding its squad for the future.
In other transfer news, speculation linking Erling Haaland with a move to FC Barcelona has been dismissed by his agent Rafaela Pimenta amid ongoing transfer rumours.
