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Napoli are reportedly willing to offer Rasmus Hojlund a way out of his struggles at Manchester United. However, the Italian club is only prepared to sign him at a reduced fee, meaning United would have to accept a financial loss on their investment.

The Danish striker arrived at Old Trafford in August 2023 after an impressive debut season with Atalanta in Serie A, where he netted nine goals. Despite being a raw talent, he showed promise in his first year at United, scoring 16 goals across all competitions. However, his form has taken a dramatic downturn this season, raising concerns about his future at the club.

Struggles at Old Trafford

Hojlund’s current campaign has been anything but smooth. The 22-year-old has managed just two Premier League goals this season and is currently enduring a dismal 16-game goal drought. His struggles in front of goal have added to United’s attacking woes, as Ruben Amorim’s side lacks a reliable goal scorer.

Adding to the team’s attacking frustrations, summer signing Joshua Zirkzee—brought in from Bologna—has also failed to deliver consistently. With United’s financial troubles mounting, the club is likely to offload players this summer to fund necessary reinforcements.

Napoli’s Transfer Plans and United’s Financial Woes

TalkSPORT reports that Napoli are keen on securing Hojlund’s services but only at a cut-price fee, given his underwhelming form. The Italian club, currently second in Serie A, already has an established connection with United, having signed Scott McTominay last summer.

Napoli’s attacking options currently include Romelu Lukaku, who leads the line for Antonio Conte’s squad. They are also set to welcome back Victor Osimhen from his loan spell at Galatasaray. However, Osimhen is widely expected to leave permanently before next summer, with Manchester United previously linked as a potential destination.

Challenges in a Potential Swap Deal

There has been speculation about a potential swap deal involving Hojlund and Osimhen, but reaching an agreement could prove complicated. While Osimhen boasts an impressive record of 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli, his high transfer valuation makes a straight swap unrealistic.

Speaking earlier this month, United manager Ruben Amorim expressed confidence in Hojlund’s ability to regain form but emphasized the need for patience.

Amorim’s Support for Hojlund Amid Goal Drought

After United’s FA Cup win against Leicester, Amorim urged Hojlund to stay composed despite his struggles in front of goal.

“He needs to understand that sometimes he has to do a job without touching the ball,” Amorim said. “He cannot get so frustrated because in the next play, maybe he will have a situation near the goal. So he has to be calm.”

The manager acknowledged the forward’s determination and desire to score, noting that players from his background often thrive on pressure and criticism. However, Amorim also pointed out that United’s lack of creativity in attack has not helped their strikers.

“A striker needs a very good team to deliver quality balls, and we are not helping our strikers at the moment,” he admitted.

What’s Next for Hojlund?

As the summer transfer window approaches, United must decide whether to cut their losses on Hojlund or persist with their long-term investment. If Napoli remains interested, United’s financial situation may force their hand, especially if they struggle to reinforce key areas of the squad.

For Hojlund, the coming months will be crucial. Whether he stays to fight for his place at Old Trafford or seeks a fresh start in Italy, the young striker faces a defining moment in his career.