Hojlund Set for Permanent Napoli Stay After Serie A Breakthrough
Rasmus Hojlund’s future is moving firmly away from Manchester United after a Napoli director confirmed the striker is not expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, following an impressive loan spell in Italy.
The 22 year old joined Napoli on deadline day after United reshaped their attack under Ruben Amorim, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Since arriving in Serie A, Hojlund has rediscovered his scoring touch under Antonio Conte and quickly become a central figure in Napoli’s frontline.
Napoli were forced into the market after Romelu Lukaku suffered a thigh injury during a pre season friendly against Olympiacos, and Hojlund was identified as the solution. The Danish forward has responded emphatically, scoring five and six league goals respectively, including both strikes in a controlled 2-0 win over Cremonese last weekend.
That brace took him beyond his entire Premier League tally from the 2024-25 campaign and underlined his growing importance. Napoli director Giovanni Manna has since suggested that a permanent deal is all but inevitable, with the club holding a reported £38 million buy option that could become an obligation if Champions League qualification is secured.
The significance of the move goes beyond goals. Hojlund has adapted quickly to Conte’s demanding system, showing sharper movement, improved link play and greater confidence in front of goal. Napoli see him not just as a short term fix, but as a long term striker capable of leading their title ambitions.
Speaking in Italy, Manna made it clear the player’s commitment has been decisive. He highlighted Hojlund’s understanding of Conte’s instructions and his willingness to fully embrace the project, stressing that both club and player already view the relationship as permanent.
The atmosphere around Napoli has reflected that belief. Crowds at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium have warmed quickly to Hojlund’s direct style and work rate, while his combination play with wide attackers like David Neres has added pace and unpredictability to Napoli’s buildup.
Key moments have followed consistently. His movement in the box against Cremonese caused repeated problems, while his calm finishing demonstrated a striker playing with clarity rather than pressure. Even in tighter matches, Hojlund has remained involved, stretching defences and creating space for midfield runners.
The goals themselves have come in varied fashion. One a composed finish after a quick transition, the other a predatory strike from close range, both highlighting the instincts that made him one of Europe’s most expensive young forwards.
In the second half of the season, Conte has adjusted Napoli’s attacking structure to maximize Hojlund’s strengths, allowing him to stay central while the wide players attack aggressively. The result has been sustained pressure and improved efficiency in front of goal.
Late moments have also carried symbolic weight. After Napoli’s Supercoppa Italiana victory over Bologna earlier this month, Hojlund posted a photo holding the trophy with a pointed caption that hinted at satisfaction with his career choice, a message that resonated widely given his struggles in England.
With six league goals placing him joint third in the Serie A scoring charts, Hojlund now turns his focus toward the title race. Napoli sit third, just two points behind Inter heading into the New Year, and with momentum building, the Danish striker looks set to play a decisive role in another Scudetto push and in what increasingly appears to be his permanent home in Naples.