Manchester United has secured a significant signing by completing a £64 million ($82 million) deal for Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. The 20-year-old forward agreed to a five-year contract with the option of a further season, marking a major boost for United manager Erik ten Hag, who was keen on bringing in a new striker before the start of the Premier League campaign.
The deal could potentially cost United an additional £8 million if certain add-on clauses in Hojlund’s contract are met. The young talent expressed his excitement at the opportunity to join Manchester United, a club he has admired since childhood. He is determined to repay the faith shown in him by the club and is ready to take the step up to play alongside world-class players.
Ten Hag had made Hojlund his top target after the club reportedly refused to meet Tottenham’s asking price for England striker Harry Kane, who now appears set to join Bayern Munich in Germany. The French champions, Paris Saint Germain, were also interested in signing Hojlund before Manchester United secured the deal.
Hojlund’s arrival will bolster United’s attacking options, addressing a lack of cutting edge they experienced last season, despite finishing third in the Premier League. United football director John Murtough praised Hojlund as an exceptional talent with technical and physical attributes that rank him among the best players in the world for his age group.
The Danish striker’s rise to prominence has been rapid, starting from his days with Danish club FC Copenhagen in 2020, and moving on to Austrian side Sturm Graz before Atalanta signed him in August 2022. He impressed with 10 goals in 34 appearances for Atalanta last season, catching the eye of Ten Hag.
Standing at 6ft 2ins tall, Hojlund possesses a combination of physical presence, blistering pace, and predatory instincts in the penalty area. His Atalanta boss likened him to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, highlighting his potential impact in the Premier League.
Hojlund’s presence in the United attack will also enable Ten Hag to deploy England forward Marcus Rashford in his preferred role on the left flank. With the manager’s guidance and support, Hojlund aims to achieve great things together with his new teammates at Manchester United.
Having led United to their first trophy in six years last season with a League Cup triumph, Ten Hag now desires a sustained title challenge, and Hojlund’s addition will be crucial in achieving that goal. With the young Danish striker as one of three major arrivals at Old Trafford this season, United fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive campaign ahead.
The Premier League fixture against Wolves at Old Trafford on August 14 could potentially mark Hojlund’s competitive debut for Manchester United.
