Rasmus Hojlund has joined Napoli on loan from Manchester United, seeking to revive his career in Serie A. The deal includes an obligation to buy. Hojlund struggled to make an impact at United after a £64 million move from Atalanta. Meanwhile, Eljif Elmas has also returned to Napoli on loan, while Alessandro Zanoli has joined Udinese on loan with an obligation to buy. These moves represent a significant reshaping of Napoli’s squad as they aim to defend their Serie A title.
Rasmus Hojlund, seeking a fresh start, has returned to Serie A, joining reigning champions Napoli on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The deal includes an obligation to make the transfer permanent, marking a significant move for the Danish international. This move aims to reignite Hojlund's career after a challenging spell in the Premier League.
Hojlund's arrival at Old Trafford in 2023, for a reported £64 million (€74 million) from Atalanta, generated considerable excitement. However, the young striker struggled to replicate his Serie A form in England. Despite featuring in 95 matches across all competitions, he only managed 26 goals for the Red Devils. The recent influx of attacking talent at Manchester United further pushed Hojlund down the pecking order, making a return to Italy an appealing prospect.
Napoli's acquisition of Hojlund provides him with an opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch in a league where he previously thrived. During the 2022-23 season with Atalanta, Hojlund showcased his potential, netting nine goals and providing two assists in 32 Serie A appearances. His familiarity with the Italian football landscape should aid his integration into the Napoli squad.
Adding another layer to the Napoli narrative, former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has flourished since moving to the club, now under the guidance of Antonio Conte. Hojlund will be eager to link up with McTominay and contribute to Napoli's quest for continued success in Serie A and European competitions. Conte's tactical prowess and ability to get the best out of his players could prove instrumental in unlocking Hojlund's full potential.
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In a separate move, Napoli also confirmed the return of Eljif Elmas on loan. The deal is structured with Napoli paying around €2 million for the loan, and includes an option to make the move permanent for an additional €16 million. Elmas previously spent five years with Napoli before transferring to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga in 2024 for €23 million.
Elmas's time in Germany didn't go as planned, leading to a loan spell with Torino during the second half of the 2024-25 season, where he made 13 appearances. His return to Napoli marks a reunion with a club where he enjoyed considerable success, playing 189 games and contributing to their Coppa Italia victory in 2019-20 and the Serie A title win three years later.
While welcoming Hojlund and Elmas, Napoli also confirmed the departure of defender Alessandro Zanoli, who joined Udinese on loan. The deal reportedly includes an obligation for Udinese to purchase Zanoli permanently, signalling a strategic reshaping of Napoli's squad. The club will be hoping that the new additions will bolster their chances of defending their Serie A title and making a strong impact in Europe.
With these moves, Napoli are clearly aiming to strengthen their squad and maintain their competitive edge. The return of familiar faces like Elmas and the arrival of Hojlund, who is looking to reignite his career, could prove to be shrewd business for the Italian champions. The blend of returning experience and fresh talent could be the key to further success for Napoli in the upcoming season.