Fabrizio Romano has detailed a clause in Rasmus Højlund’s loan move from Manchester United to Napoli that no one is talking about.
After a difficult campaign, many expected Rasmus Højlund to remain at Manchester United as a backup to a new striker, but Ruben Amorim appeared to favour Joshua Zirkzee for that role instead.
With Benjamin Šeško’s arrival edging closer and Matheus Cunha cementing his place as the first-choice centre forward, Højlund slipped out of the starting lineup. In United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina, the Dane was listed among the substitutes but didn’t get on the pitch.
He lingered at Old Trafford a little longer, but on Deadline Day secured a move to Napoli on an initial loan deal that includes an option to buy — a clause that could make the switch permanent if certain conditions are met.
Though many observers, including some within United, felt he had been dealt a tough hand, the former Atalanta striker now has a fresh opportunity to reignite his career back in Serie A.
Romano details Højlund loan clause no one is talking about
Højlund’s exit is probably the best bit of business, in terms of departures, for United all summer after securing a healthy loan fee and buy option.
Of course, that option will become an obligation if certain targets are met. Napoli need to finish in the Champions League spots.
But there is another criteria required for Højlund to make his move permanent and Fabrizio Romano has detailed that clause.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Napoli are very happy because they get a top striker and they have a buy option clause worth €44m. So the potential package is €50m.
“This buy option clause can become mandatory based on Napoli qualifying to the next Champions League edition and then on the appearances of the player.
“There is a number of appearances that has to be [made] in order for Napoli to trigger the buy obligation for Hojlund.
“Man Utd are quite confident about [sealing a permanent deal] because the player also wants to move on a permanent transfer.”
United confident of Højlund sale
While everyone is speaking about how easy it will be for Napoli to finish in Champions League positions, the appearance factor is not being widely considered.
It is unknown how many appearances Højlund needs to make, but injuries and form can easily see him spend a significant amount of time out of the team when Romelu Lukaku is back from his own injury.
United’s reported confidence of a deal being struck suggests that it is not an overwhelming amount of appearances that Højlund needs to make, which is a good thing.
His debut for the Italian side could come next week against Fiorentina after clubs return to action after the international break.
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