Rasmus Hojlund’s future as a Manchester United player could be confirmed today, but not in the way many expect. A £38million conditional obligation to buy deal could see him permanently move away from Old Trafford.
The Denmark international’s future hinges on Napoli’s qualification for next season’s Champions League. United agreed to the obligation as part of the deal that saw Hojlund join the Serie A champions last summer.
Champions League Qualification Key to Hojlund’s Future
Napoli are currently second in Serie A. They are guaranteed at least a Europa League spot next term.
However, they could finish as low as sixth, with five points separating them from Como. A win for Napoli would earn them Champions League football, because they have a better head-to-head record than Roma.
Como would also no longer be able to catch them, regardless of their own result. Antonio Conte’s team would thus finish no worse than fourth.
Napoli’s Recent Form and Upcoming Fixture
Qualification seemed certain after beating Milan in early April for their fifth consecutive win. However, they have won just one of the five since, losing at home to Bologna and Lazio.
A visit to already-relegated Pisa is next up for Napoli on Sunday evening. All teams from second to sixth have their matches kick off at the same time this weekend.
Como host Parma, Milan visit Genoa, Roma face Lazio in the Derby della Capitale, while Juventus also host their rivals Fiorentina.
Hojlund’s Performance and Club’s Stance
Hojlund’s sale is due to become United’s second summer transfer after Casemiro. The Brazil international has announced that he will leave Old Trafford when his contract ends.
Much like his former teammate, the Dane is having a strong season, leading Napoli with 14 goals across all competitions. The striker has recently gone scoreless across their last six matches, but did assist their equalisers against Bologna and Parma.
The club made their stance on signing Hojlund clear earlier this month when sporting director Giovanni Manna said: “There are no doubts, Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from Manchester United, in case of Champions League access, but he is in our plans regardless of this condition.”
Conte has also defended Hojlund from recent criticism over a lack of goals, saying: “Let’s not forget that he’s the only striker we have in the squad, and he’s the only one playing, he should have had the chance to rest and come on during the match.
“He has a lot of energy and is a player with excellen
Napoli’s fate, and with it Hojlund’s, will be decided this weekend.