Rasmus Højlund has sealed a season-long loan move to Napoli, with a mandatory buy option clause set at €44 million, marking the end of weeks of speculation around his future. Softfootball understands that the agreement, finalised on Monday, also includes a €6 million loan fee paid upfront by the Italian side.
Napoli confirmed the deal on Sunday, with details later echoed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who described the move as “never in doubt.” on his official X account.
According to Romano, the purchase clause becomes mandatory if Napoli secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
He tweeted:
“Rasmus Højlund and Napoli, never in doubt and now official. €6m loan fee, €44m buy option clause to become mandatory under certain conditions.”
For Højlund, the switch represents a return to familiar territory in Italy, having previously impressed at Atalanta before his move to Old Trafford in 2023. Despite initially expressing a wish to remain at Manchester United, the Danish striker accepted the chance to revive his form with the Serie A champions of 2023.
Napoli made a Post on its official X handle to announce the deal:
At United, Højlund’s role diminished following the arrival of Benjamin Šeško, who has not yet gotten the ground running, with the club now viewing the Napoli deal as a smart piece of business. Should the buy option be triggered, the Red Devils will recoup a significant portion of their investment while freeing space in the squad for their new attacking projects.
For Napoli, the addition of the 22-year-old forward offers both short-term depth and long-term potential, as they look to re-establish themselves as a force in Italy and Europe. Højlund will be expected to add pace, pressing energy, and a goal threat to Walter Mazzarri’s squad as the club chases another Champions League berth.
