Napoli are growing increasingly confident about securing the long-term future of Rasmus Højlund, with club officials making it clear that the Danish striker is not expected to return to Manchester United. Sporting director Giovanni Manna has openly stated that Napoli are already planning ahead with Højlund as part of their core project.
The 21-year-old forward joined the Partenopei on loan from Manchester United during the last summer transfer window, with the agreement including a purchase option. However, after an impressive run of performances in Serie A, the move is now widely seen as a matter of “when,” not “if.”
Højlund has already scored six goals in the Italian top flight this season, a return that surpasses his Premier League output with Manchester United during the 2024/2025 campaign, where he managed only four goals at Old Trafford. His resurgence in Italy has reignited belief in his talent and underlined how well he fits into Napoli’s attacking system.
The former Atalanta striker was brought in at the end of August as an emergency solution following Romelu Lukaku’s serious injury. What initially looked like a short-term fix has instead turned into one of Napoli’s smartest transfer decisions in recent years, with Højlund making an immediate and consistent impact up front.
Napoli Determined to Make Højlund Deal Permanent
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Giovanni Manna revealed that Napoli had to overcome stiff competition to land Højlund’s signature, with several major European clubs also monitoring the situation. Ultimately, the player’s own desire to join Napoli proved decisive.
“We did everything possible to sign him. There were clubs with greater history and prestige interested, but Højlund’s willingness made the difference, and we are very proud of that,” Manna said.
According to the Napoli sporting director, Højlund’s value extends far beyond his goal tally. His tactical intelligence, work rate, and ability to quickly understand the coach’s instructions have convinced the club’s hierarchy that they made the right choice.
“He understands the game, adapts quickly, and follows the coach’s ideas perfectly. That’s why we’ve never had doubts about his quality,” Manna added.
Contract Situation and Long-Term Vision
The loan agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy if Napoli qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Manna stressed that both the club and the player already view their relationship as a long-term commitment rather than a temporary arrangement.
“There is an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. Højlund already considers himself a Napoli player, and so do we. That’s extremely important,” he explained.
When asked whether completing the permanent transfer was now just a formality, Manna gave a clear and confident response: “At this moment, I believe it is.”
Napoli’s recent recruitment strategy has shown a growing focus on Premier League players, a trend Manna openly acknowledged. According to him, English football provides a valuable reference point due to the strong mentality and physical intensity of its players, even though some still require time to emotionally adapt to the unique culture of Italian football.
Uncertainty Surrounding Noa Lang’s Future
While Højlund’s situation appears increasingly settled, the same cannot be said for Noa Lang. The Dutch winger, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven with high expectations, has yet to consistently demonstrate his best form at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
“He came from a very different environment and needs time to adapt. There have been moments where he played well, but we expect more from him,” Manna admitted.
The Napoli director did not rule out the possibility of Lang leaving during the January transfer window, though he emphasized that any decision would depend on multiple factors, including squad balance and the player’s own state of mind.
“Players must feel happy, involved, and convinced by what they are doing. The team’s interests always come before individuals. If that balance doesn’t exist, then we will make decisions based on the situation,” Manna concluded.
With Napoli pushing strongly for Champions League qualification and Højlund thriving in Serie A, all signs point toward a permanent separation from Manchester United. For now, the Danish striker’s future looks firmly rooted in Naples, as the club continues building a squad capable of competing at the highest level in Italy and Europe.
ALSO READ :
