AC Milan came close to securing the signature of Rasmus Hojlund before the Danish striker decided to leave Manchester United. Despite concrete steps taken by the Rossoneri during negotiations, the potential transfer ultimately collapsed due to the player’s personal preferences rather than any obstacle from the English club.
The Serie A giants had already submitted a clear and structured proposal to Manchester United, underlining their ambition to reshape their attacking line ahead of the new season. Milan viewed Hojlund as a key piece for their long-term offensive rebuild and moved decisively to explore the deal.
However, Hojlund eventually opted to continue his career with Napoli, a decision driven by sporting considerations and long-term security rather than short-term financial incentives.
Milan’s Concrete Offer That Fell Short
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, speaking via MilanNews, AC Milan proposed an initial paid loan worth €3.5 million, with an option to make the transfer permanent for €35 million. The structure of the offer reflected Milan’s willingness to invest heavily while maintaining financial flexibility.
Those figures highlighted how serious Milan were about landing the former Atalanta striker. From the club’s perspective, the numbers and approach were competitive, and discussions with Manchester United were not the main stumbling block.
Instead, talks never progressed to the final stages because the decisive factor came from the player’s side.
Why Hojlund Chose Napoli Over Milan
Rasmus Hojlund reportedly placed Champions League football at the top of his priority list. Competing at Europe’s highest level was seen as essential for his development, visibility, and long-term career growth.
AC Milan, at the time of negotiations, could not fully guarantee Champions League participation in line with the striker’s expectations. That uncertainty became a significant drawback in his personal assessment.
In addition, Hojlund preferred a deal that offered immediate clarity regarding his future. He was not enthusiastic about a transfer that depended on optional clauses or performance-based conditions.
Napoli, by contrast, presented a clearly defined sporting project alongside a firm contractual structure. The inclusion of a guaranteed purchase clause gave the player a sense of stability and long-term commitment, setting their offer apart from Milan’s proposal.
What This Means for AC Milan
Missing out on Hojlund has left AC Milan reassessing their transfer strategy. Internally, there is a feeling that the club demonstrated both financial intent and sporting ambition, yet still fell short in meeting the evolving demands of elite-level players.
The Rossoneri are now expected to shift their focus toward alternative attacking targets as they look to strengthen squad depth for the remainder of the season and beyond. With Serie A becoming increasingly competitive, Milan understand the importance of adding reliable firepower up front.
This episode also highlights a broader trend in modern football negotiations. Players are no longer swayed solely by transfer fees or wages; clarity of vision, guaranteed roles, and long-term planning now play a decisive role.
For AC Milan, the failed pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund serves as a valuable lesson. Balancing sporting vision with contractual certainty may prove crucial in future battles for top-tier talent in the European market.
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