Manchester United confirm signing of Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Rasmus Højlund from Atlanta with Erik ten Hag securing his striker.

Rasmus Højlund signs for Manchester United for a reported fee of £60 million plus a further £12m in add-ons on a five-year deal, with the option of a further year.

The 20-year-old was unveiled to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of the club’s penultimate pre-season fixture against RC Lens.

Erik ten Hag has been keen on signing a striker for a long time, and when the stop-gap loan signing of Wout Weghorst did not prove fruitful, it became a priority this window.

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Højlund signs as a 20-year-old with the world at his feet after an impressive first season with Atalanta and scoring a hat trick on his Denmark debut.

Manchester United’s statement said: “Rasmus Højlund has joined Manchester United on a contract running until June 2028, with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance.

“At the age of just 20, the striker has scored 27 goals in 87 club appearances, including 10 in Italy for Atalanta last season. Already a senior international, Højlund has scored six goals in his six appearances for Denmark.”

Speaking on the signing himself, Højlund said: “It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.

“I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players.

“Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new teammates at this special club.”

Football director John Murtough added: “Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent. He possesses technical and physical attributes which rank him amongst the best players in the world for his age group. Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform. Everyone across the club will ensure that he is given the time and all the support required to reach his immense potential.

“Throughout the summer we have acted quickly and decisively to secure our primary targets early in the transfer window. This will ensure that Erik and his coaches have the best opportunity to prepare the squad to push for further success in the exciting campaign ahead.”