Napoli have secured Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United on a season-long loan, the Serie A champions announced on Monday.
The move comes as a boost for Antonio Conte’s side, who were left short of options in attack after Romelu Lukaku suffered a thigh injury.
Brazilian winger Antony also departed Old Trafford the same day, completing a permanent switch to Spanish club Real Betis.
With Lukaku sidelined, Lorenzo Lucca, currently on loan from Udinese, had been Conte’s only available centre forward. According to reports, Hojlund’s deal contains a conditional obligation for Napoli to make the transfer permanent for €44 million ($51.51 million) if they qualify for the Champions League.
Hojlund, 22, signed for United from Atalanta in 2023 for around £70 million but struggled to justify his price tag, managing just 14 goals in 62 Premier League appearances. United, who have spent close to £200 million this summer on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, left the striker out of their last four matchday squads.
The Dane will aim to follow in the footsteps of Scott McTominay, who made a swift impact at Napoli after joining last year and ended the campaign as Serie A’s Most Valuable Player.
Antony, like Hojlund, never fully settled at United after his 2022 arrival from Ajax. He spent part of last season on loan at Betis, where he featured in 17 league matches.
“Antony now returns to the Verdiblancos, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2030,” Betis confirmed in a statement.
The Brazilian impressed during his spell in Spain, recording nine goals and six assists across 26 appearances in all competitions.
