Breaking News: Manchester United Secures Rasmus Hojlund for Record Fee
Manchester United has successfully secured a deal with Atalanta to sign the highly promising Danish striker, Rasmus Hojlund, in a blockbuster £72m transfer. The 20-year-old’s impressive performances during the 2022-2023 season, where he scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for Atalanta, caught the attention of United manager Erik Ten Hag.
The transfer agreement will see Hojlund move to Old Trafford for an initial fee of £64m, with the potential for add-ons of up to £8m. His contract with Manchester United will span five years, with an option for an additional season, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing his talent for the long term.
Hojlund’s arrival at Manchester United marks Ten Hag’s third major signing for the club this summer. The Danish forward joins midfielder Mason Mount, acquired from Chelsea for £55m, and goalkeeper Andre Onana, signed from Inter Milan for £47.2m. The club’s total spending during the summer transfer window now stands at a minimum of £166.2m, with possible expenses reaching £180m.
The decision to sign Hojlund was influenced by his standout performances, making him Ten Hag’s preferred choice for the striking position. The move also signifies a departure from pursuing Tottenham’s Harry Kane, as his acquisition was considered financially prohibitive and logistically challenging.
Although the deal with Atalanta is not yet fully concluded, agreeing to personal terms is expected to be a smooth process. The timely acquisition of Hojlund aligns with Ten Hag’s desire to have the striker integrated into the team before the start of the season, allowing ample time for preparation.
Rasmus Hojlund’s rapid rise to prominence began with his senior career at Copenhagen and a successful stint at Austrian side Sturm Graz. His goal-scoring prowess and potential attracted the attention of top European clubs. At Atalanta, he continued to impress both domestically and on the international stage. His debut for the Danish national team in 2022 saw him score six goals in six games during the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
As the transfer edges closer to completion, Hojlund is set to join Manchester United in time for their final pre-season friendlies against Lens and Athletic Bilbao. The Premier League giants will kick off their 2023-2024 season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on August 14th.