Napoli Trigger Buy Clause for Man Utd Star Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United are set for a big transfer windfall after Napoli activated their buy clause for Rasmus Hojlund on Sunday as they confirmed qualification to the Champions League, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man United are gearing up for their own Champions League return next season, but while a lot of focus is on who could be coming in to strengthen the squad for the 2026-27 campaign, some players will need to head out of Old Trafford too.

The Red Devils are said to have allocated a budget worth up to £150m to strengthen their central midfield during the summer transfer window, but their ability to bolster other positions on the pitch would be further boosted by bringing in more money for players on their way out of Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Alongside Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Andre Onana are just some examples of other high-profile United players who departed the club on loan last summer, with eyes on permanent switches away from Old Trafford.

It appears as though Barcelona are keen to keep Rashford at the Camp Nou, albeit at a renegotiated price to the previous option, with Sancho and Onana looking more likely to return to the 'Theatre of Dreams' as things stand.

Romano: Hojluand to Napoli £38m Deal Done

It was agreed on Hojlund joining Napoli from United last summer that the deal would be an obligation at €44m (£38m) if Napoli qualified for the Champions League.

Romano, posting on X on Sunday afternoon, confirmed that to be the case.

It took until the penultimate game for it to happen despite Antonio Conte's side sitting second in the Serie A standings, but it is the case following their straightforward 3-0 win against rock-bottom Pisa on Sunday.

Hojlund actually netted the third in the win for Napoli, also adding an assist, as Gli Azzurri secured their place in Europe's elite club competition once again.

It was the Denmark international's 11th of the season in 32 Serie A appearances, and his 15th goal in total, and he looks far more at home in Italian football than he ever did in England with United.

Will Manchester United Sign a Striker?

Hojlund's exit from Old Trafford doesn't necessarily mean that United will go out and sign a new striker, with it being more likely to happen if Joshua Zirkzee departs too.

The Red Devils currently have the Dutchman, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo who can all play in that position, while Matheus Cunha is a versatile operator.

Should Zirkzee go, then there is some talk that United could look to bring in a more experienced mentor style striker to work alongside Sesko as he continues his development at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been linked with Robert Lewandowski, after the Poland international confirmed he will be leaving Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old would fit the bill, although it remains to be seen if he is willing to be back-up at this stage of his career.

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