Manchester United are on the cusp of securing yet another transfer deal this summer, and this time, their sights are set on the promising young striker, Rasmus Hojlund.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Devils and the Danish starlet have come to a complete agreement over personal terms, paving the way for a potential move. However, the road to Hojlund’s signature won’t be without obstacles, as Atalanta, his current club, stands firm on their hefty €70 million asking price.
Manchester United are preparing their opening bid for Rasmus Højlund! 🔴🇩🇰
Told personal terms are 100% agreed. He wants United. 🤝🏻
Atalanta told United they don’t want 3 players offered in the deal after initial talks.
Manchester United’s transfer priorities have been well-defined this summer, and after securing the services of Mason Mount and Andre Onana, they have now set their sights on bolstering their striking department.
With the pursuit of Tottenham’s Harry Kane seemingly out of reach, United has now honed in on the young Danish talent, whose potential and performance last season have garnered much attention.
Journalist Alfredo Pedulla confirmed that Manchester United is preparing a fresh bid for Hojlund, expected to be around €53 – €55 million plus additional bonuses. Atalanta seeks a minimum fixed base of €60 million with bonuses. Negotiations are ongoing despite the slight disparity. Hojlund maintains a professional demeanor, favoring United but having a good rapport with Atalanta.
Furthermore, the journalist revealed on Twitter that Hojlund earns €600,000 in Bergamo, whereas the proposed deal with Manchester United would be 7-8 times that amount. The key now lies in United’s ability to reach an agreement with Atalanta.
Rasmus Hojlund may be in the early stages of his career, with fewer than 100 career appearances under his belt, but his skill and potential have already caught the eye of top clubs.
Last season, he joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz and, after a period of adaptation, finished the campaign with 10 goals and four assists. While those statistics may not be extraordinary, they don’t fully represent the positives he brought to Atalanta’s gameplay.
Rasmus Hojlund the perfect striker for Manchester United 👌👌 @ManUtd
✅ Lightening quick on counterattack ✅ Presses really well ✅ Bullet of left foot ✅ Powerful in the air ✅ links up well ✅ Poacher in the box & can shoot from Distance too #MUFC
— Manchester United South Asia (@ManUtdSouthAsia) July 18, 2023
Standing out with his physicality and aerial ability, Hojlund also displayed impressive pace and dribbling prowess on the counter-attack. However, his finishing is expected to improve with age and experience.
Atalanta, aware of Hojlund’s desire to make the move to Old Trafford already confirmed, Manchester United has reached a crucial point in the transfer negotiations. While Hojlund’s potential makes him an exciting prospect, the €70 million price tag for an unproven striker could be a point of concern.
Manchester United faces a hurdle due to FFP restrictions, necessitating player sales to afford the deal. The Italian club won’t provide any discounts, creating a potential stumbling block for the club, known for securing bargains. United’s challenge now lies in convincing Atalanta to lower the asking price, and multiple bids could be made to initiate fruitful negotiations.
United target Kolo Muani 🔴
Manchester United are ready to step up their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani over fears Atalanta will not compromise on their valuation of Rasmus Hojlund. @espn
As the negotiations unfold, Manchester United’s football director, John Murtough, has been busy holding discussions with both Atalanta and Eintracht Frankfurt over the potential signing of Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani. However, it appears Hojlund is the more likely candidate to join the Red Devils.
