Manchester United’s offseason promises to be a whirlwind of activity under Ruben Amorim, marked by a determined push for a squad overhaul after a dismal campaign. The initial moves seem clear: Matheus Cunha is set to arrive as the first summer signing for “£62.5m,” paid in installments to ease PSR concerns, creating “wiggle room” for another target, Bryan Mbeumo. However, beyond these initial acquisitions, United’s ambitious rebuild hinges entirely on player sales. With big names like Jadon Sancho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho “earmarked for exits,” the Red Devils are looking to generate significant funds. But the plot thickens dramatically when it comes to one particular forward: Rasmus Hojlund. What seemed like a clear path to selling the Danish international has hit major roadblocks, casting serious doubt on United’s ability to finance their deeper transfer ambitions.
The Hojlund Dilemma – Rejected Loans, High Price Tags, and Player Preference
Rasmus Hojlund endured a “woeful second season at Old Trafford,” prompting Manchester United to consider sacrificing him, despite his youth, to fund further attacking reinforcements beyond Cunha and Mbeumo. His “stock remains high in Italy,” where he previously impressed for Atalanta, making Serie A clubs logical destinations. However, the path to his exit is proving far more complicated than anticipated.
The £40m Sticking Point and The “No Loan” Policy: The primary hurdle is United’s steadfast demand for “£40m from the permanent sale of Hojlund.” Crucially, The Telegraph confirms that “United are NOT willing to entertain loan proposals,” even if they include an option or obligation to buy. This firm stance is driven by a clear financial imperative: “United want to immediately reinvest the proceeds from exits right here and now.” Delaying payments to a future window “would not benefit Ruben Amorim and his much-anticipated rebuild in the present.” This clashes directly with the preferred approach of potential suitors, as transfer insider Rudy Galetti explicitly states, “Inter never advanced for Hojlund, as Man Utd have only ever considered a permanent sale, not a loan, so far.”
Italian Giants Balk at Price and Formula: Inter Milan, despite being “most heavily-linked,” now see a move as “impossible” due to United’s demands. And they are not alone. “Juventus and reigning champions Napoli” also showed interest, but Galetti claims there are “serious doubts from both sides regarding the formula and transfer fee Man Utd are demanding.” This widespread resistance from top Serie A clubs to United’s “price tag and formula” suggests that the £40m valuation, coupled with the insistence on an immediate permanent deal, might be unrealistic for the current Italian market.
Hojlund’s Unwavering Commitment: Adding another layer of complexity to this saga is Rasmus Hojlund’s own public stance. While United are “open to selling” him, they “aren’t actively pushing out” the Denmark international. Hojlund, for his part, has expressed no desire to leave Old Trafford. Speaking to Danish outlet Bold, he stated unequivocally: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.” This direct declaration of loyalty and commitment to the “project” means that if United cannot find a suitor willing to meet their terms, they might be stuck with a player they intended to move on, potentially hindering their overall transfer strategy.
A Looming Financial Gridlock for United?
The evolving situation with Rasmus Hojlund’s potential departure is a significant headache for Manchester United. Their firm stance on a permanent sale for £40m, coupled with a strict “no loan” policy, is directly clashing with the financial realities and preferences of interested clubs, particularly in Italy. This rigid approach, while understandable from a “reinvest immediately” perspective, risks leaving United with a player they had earmarked for sale, thereby limiting their ability to fund further crucial additions to Amorim’s squad. Hojlund’s public commitment to staying further complicates matters. Unless United can find a club willing to meet their exact terms, or are forced to compromise on their demands, the inability to offload Hojlund could create a severe financial gridlock, impacting their ambitions for other key signings this summer. The Red Devils’ summer rebuild, initially off to a promising start with Cunha, now faces a formidable challenge that could dictate the success of their entire transfer window.