Napoli Qualify For Champions League To Trigger Hojlund Deal
Rasmus Hojlund is set to join Napoli on a permanent deal from Manchester United after helping the Serie A side secure Champions League qualification with victory over Pisa.
The Denmark striker, who moved to Naples on loan in August, assisted former United team-mate Scott McTominay for the opening goal after 21 minutes at the Stadio Romeo Anconetani.
Defender Amir Rrahmani doubled the lead six minutes later when he headed home Eljif Elmas’ corner, before Hojlund added a third in stoppage time at the end of the second half to take his Serie A tally to 11 goals this season.
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The win guarantees second-placed Napoli a top-four finish in Serie A, with Antonio Conte’s side five points clear of Como in fifth place with one match remaining.
As part of the agreement, Napoli are now obliged to make Hojlund’s move permanent for a fee of £38m.
“This goal felt symbolic because it means two things. We now secured Champions League with Napoli, which means because of my contract I’m now officially a Napoli player and I’m saying goodbye to Manchester United,” Hojlund wrote on Instagram.
“That feels weird, because for the past year I already feel like a Napoli player. The way you fans supported me, made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again is something I’m so grateful for. To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional too.
“My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey. So the goal today symbolizes a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true.
“It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them.”
The 23-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 43 appearances across all competitions since returning to Italy, where he previously played for Atalanta before joining United for an initial £64m in 2023.
Napoli will secure second place if they beat Udinese on the final day of the season.
