Rasmus Højlund: On the Verge of a Shocking Move to a Club Rival
Man United could cash in on striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer as they plan to sign an elite forward, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils have endured goalscoring woes in the 2024-25 campaign – with the futures of both Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee now under scrutiny.
It is believed a number nine will be the priority for Ruben Amorim‘s transfer chiefs this summer as the Portuguese boss looks to put his own stamp on the squad.
Hojlund, 22, is attracting interest back in the Italian Serie A – where he made his name with Atalanta.
Hojlund could leave Man United for Serie A return
Sources say United could cash in on the Denmark international and put the money towards a new forward.
The Red Devils have experienced a cash crisis in recent windows and it could get worse if they fail to qualify for the Champions League for next season.
Appearances (Starts) 43 (29)
Minutes Played 2564
Goals 8
Assists 4
Yellow Cards 2
Hojlund’s Man United stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)
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Hojlund, who is under contract until June 2028, has hit just eight goals in 43 appearances across all competitions this season.
United agreed to sign the forward for a fee of £72million including add-ons in August 2023.
Amorim’s side have been linked with Ipswich star Liam Delap and on-loan Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.
Liam Delap warming up for Ipsiwch
Delap could replace Hojlund at Old Trafford. (Credit: Imago)
Hojlund could be one of 10 Man United stars to exit
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (15 April) that Man United could let up to 10 first-team stars leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
United are planning wholesale changes at Old Trafford after a dismal campaign which is already confirmed to be their worst-ever in the Premier League.
Club chiefs have a long-term project in mind and will give Amorim time and transfer backing to improve the situation.
Rasmus Højlund arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2023 with high expectations. Signed from Atalanta in a deal worth up to £72 million, the Danish striker was billed as the next great No. 9 to lead United’s line for years to come. At just 20 years old, his raw talent, blistering pace, and powerful presence in front of goal were seen as ideal qualities for the Red Devils’ long-term project under Erik ten Hag. But fast forward to the tail end of the 2024/25 season, and reports suggest a shock twist in the striker’s journey: Rasmus Højlund could be offered to a club rival as early as next season.
This potential development has stirred debate among fans and pundits alike. What went wrong? Is there truth behind the rumors? And what does this say about Manchester United’s direction moving forward?
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A Mixed First Season
Højlund’s debut season in the Premier League was a mixed bag. On one hand, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the Champions League group stages where he was among the top scorers. His performances in Europe displayed his natural instinct for goals and an eagerness to take responsibility, even in a struggling United side. However, domestically, his output was inconsistent. He went months without a league goal at one point, leading to mounting pressure from fans and media.
To be fair to Højlund, the environment at Manchester United hasn’t been conducive to rapid development. A midfield lacking creativity, frequent injuries to key players, and a shaky backline meant that chances were few and far between for the young forward. Often isolated and left to feed off scraps, it became apparent that he was more a victim of the club’s systemic issues than his own shortcomings.
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Tactical Misfit or Poor Timing?
Some insiders now suggest that Højlund may not be a tactical fit for Ten Hag’s evolving system. With United rumored to be eyeing a more fluid front line — potentially mimicking the likes of Manchester City or Arsenal with interchangeable attacking roles — Højlund’s profile as a more traditional striker could be at odds with this vision.
Alternatively, the club’s hierarchy may be looking at the financial aspect. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) pressures mounting and United needing to balance the books to reinvest in the squad, selling Højlund could raise significant funds. Given his age, potential, and the fact that several top clubs are in need of a striker, the Dane would undoubtedly attract attention on the market.
This brings us to the most controversial part of the rumor mill: Højlund could be offered to a direct rival.
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Who Are the Potential Suitors?
Among the clubs being quietly linked to Højlund are Arsenal and Chelsea — two Premier League rivals with different needs but shared interest in a quality striker.
Arsenal, despite their growth under Mikel Arteta, still lack a prolific No. 9. Gabriel Jesus has been useful but injury-prone and inconsistent in front of goal. A player like Højlund could fit into their fast-paced, high-pressing system and provide a more direct threat.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a striker. Despite heavy investment in young talent, goals have been hard to come by. The idea of pairing Højlund with a playmaker like Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernández could be appealing to the Blues’ hierarchy, especially given their long-term rebuild strategy.
Even Tottenham, who are still adjusting to life post-Harry Kane, could throw their hat into the ring. While they have Heung-min Son and Richarlison, neither have filled the void left by Kane in terms of goal tally or link-up play. Højlund, in a system that supports him, could flourish under Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy.
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The Risk of Strengthening a Rival
If United do decide to part ways with Højlund and send him to a domestic rival, it would be a risky move. History has shown that letting young players leave too early can come back to haunt clubs. The examples of Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah — both let go by Chelsea only to shine elsewhere — remain cautionary tales.
Moreover, the optics of selling a big-money, high-potential signing after just one full season would reflect poorly on the club’s recruitment and development strategy. It would also highlight the disarray behind the scenes — with managers, sporting directors, and board members seemingly misaligned on long-term plans.
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Højlund’s Perspective
From Højlund’s side, there’s no public indication he wants out. He’s spoken of his admiration for Manchester United and has never hidden his desire to succeed at the club. However, a young player’s patience can only stretch so far. If he feels he’s not being utilized properly or trusted as the club’s main striker, and if a top side offers him a clearer path to growth and silverware, he might be tempted.
The upcoming summer will be crucial. If United make significant changes in coaching staff or tactical structure, it could reshape Højlund’s role. If, however, they look to bring in another marquee striker — say, an Ivan Toney or Viktor Gyökeres — Højlund may be pushed down the pecking order. That could be the catalyst for his exit.
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Conclusion: A Gamble United Can’t Afford?
Selling Rasmus Højlund after one season would be a bold move. Offering him to a Premier League rival would be even bolder — and riskier. While there are valid arguments about tactical fit and financial necessity, United would essentially be gambling that Højlund won’t develop into a world-class forward elsewhere.
But the biggest question may not be about Højlund at all. Rather, it’s about what kind of club Manchester United want to be. Are they patient builders who trust youth and vision? Or are they in a perpetual cycle of short-term fixes and reactive decisions?
If the club doesn’t get that right, Højlund could become just another name on the growing list of talented players who slipped through their fingers — only to thrive in the colors of a rival.
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