Napoli director confirms Hojlund won’t return to Man United

Napoli director Giovanni Manna is ‘proud’ that Rasmus Hojlund chose the Partenopei last summer and claims that the striker’s permanent transfer from Manchester United is just a ‘formality.’

Hojlund joined Napoli from Manchester United on loan with an option to buy last summer.

The Denmark international has already netted six Serie A goals this term, two more than he managed in the Premier League at Old Trafford in 2024-25.

Hojlund, a former Atalanta striker, moved to Napoli at the end of August following a serious Romelu Lukaku injury.

“We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it,” Napoli sporting director Manna told Corriere dello Sport.

“We had no doubts. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach’s input. This makes a difference.

“There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important.”

The reporter asked if Hojlund’s permanent Napoli transfer was just a “formality,” and Manna replied, “As of today, I think so.”

Hojlund is one of the many players Napoli have signed from the Premier League in recent years.

“It’s the reference market, where even players coming from mid-table teams like Billing can help you,” noted Manna.

“They have mentality, but sometimes more heart is needed.”

Noa Lang, on the other hand, moved to the Stadio Maradona from the Dutch side PSV last summer, but hasn’t yet fulfilled his potential in Naples, to the extent that Manna has refused to rule out his sale in January.

“He comes from a different reality, and he’s taken a while [to settle in,], but he’s played some good games,” said the Napoli director.

“We expect more from him, but we have not made a decision. The players must feel happy and involved and believe in what they do. The group comes before the individual. It’s good for them to understand it; otherwise, we’ll make decisions based on the moment.”