Rasmus Hojlund’s loan at Napoli has been successful despite injury problems, and could see him secure a permanent move away from Old Trafford.
The Danish striker never managed a consistent run of good form at Manchester United and was sent on loan to the Serie A side at the start of the season.
Having played for Atalanta before making the move to Manchester, Rasmus Hojlund was expected to hit the ground running in Italy, which he did, scoring in just 14 minutes on his debut for the club.
So far, he has made six appearances and managed to score four goals in all competitions, and has become the vocal point of attack for Antonio Conte’s side. Hojlund’s link-up with legendary midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has played a key role in his good goal-scoring record and has impressed fans and staff.
With United looking to cash in on the powerful striker in the summer, the higher-ups at Old Trafford will certainly be pleased by the way the 22-year-old is performing.
Napoli expected to make loan permanent
Although Hojlund is currently out with a minor muscle injury, Antonio Conte is reportedly looking to make the striker’s loan permanent in the near future.
Well-respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has explained that Napoli are planning on triggering a buy option for Hojlund in the coming months, likely due to the striker’s good form and how well he fits into Conte’s system
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano explained: “I don’t think Rasmus Hojlund will go back to Manchester United. My feeling is very clear. Rasmus Hojlund, well, now he’s injured, he’s been injured for the last few games, but as you mentioned, he started very well in Serie A and Champions League with Napoli.
“And the expectation of all parties involved, players, agents, clubs, both Napoli and United, is for the €44 million buy option clause to be triggered this month.
“So very soon, very, very soon, in the next month, let’s say like this, because there is an obligation to buy element included in the agreement, and this could be triggered quite soon.”
Napoli will be hoping that the injury to Hojlund is not long-term, as Lorenzo Lucca has been unimpressive, and former United man Romelu Lukaku is out with a serious injury.
Hojlund’s move has allowed Šeško to flourish
Hojlund leaving Manchester made room for Benjamin Šeško to slot into the side, a player who, in my opinion, is much better suited to Rúben Amorim’s system.
The powerful Slovenian striker may have had a slow start to life in England, but recently, fans have seen improvement in performances, which has directly correlated with United’s recent good form in the league.
His overall hold-up play allows for other players around him to be brought into the game and encourages the creativity from flair players like Matheus Cunha and Amad.
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Having a 6′5″ striker has allowed for United to play more directly on occasions, giving the Red Devils an outlet when under pressure and allowing for the side to move up the pitch quickly. The only complaint fans could have would be his end-product, but having a run in the side will give him more confidence, and I’m sure the goals will start to flow.
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