ROME, Sept 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Napoli on Monday announced the signing of Rasmus Hojlund on loan from Manchester United with an obligation to buy, bringing an end to the striker's difficult spell at Old Trafford.

British media reports suggested Napoli will pay œ38 million ($51.5 million) for a permanent deal for Hojlund next summer.

The 22-year-old Dane signed for United from Atalanta two years ago but struggled to live up to his œ64 million price tag in an under-performing team.

He scored 26 goals in 95 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League giants but was frozen out by manager Ruben Amorim ahead of this season.

Hojlund struggled in the English top flight last term, scoring just four goals in 32 games, but did net six times in United's run to the Europa League final.

Napoli were in need of a new striker after Romelu Lukaku suffered a thigh injury in pre-season, with Italian media reporting he could be out of action until 2026.

Hojlund previously played in Italy for Atalanta, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances.

Antonio Conte's Napoli won the Scudetto by one point ahead of Inter Milan last season.

Napoli have made a strong start to their title defence, winning their opening two matches with summer signing Kevin De Bruyne impressing.