Napoli confirms €44 million permanent signing of Højlund! Release clause revealed, matching Manchester United’s purchase price

Rasmus Højlund recently took a subtle jab at Manchester United, clearly aware he would not be returning to Old Trafford. On the eve of the January 1 winter transfer window, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Napoli has officially announced they will activate the buyout clause next summer to formally sign the "freight train" from Manchester United.

It is reported that Napoli will pay Manchester United a total of €50 million, including a fixed amount of €44 million plus €6 million already paid as a loan fee. This will financially benefit Manchester United and help them bring in new players next summer. Napoli has reached a personal agreement with Højlund, whose contract includes an €85 million release clause, coincidentally the same price Manchester United paid when signing him from Atalanta. This clause will take effect from 2027.

Romano explained: "Napoli confirmed they consider the obligation to buy Højlund a mere formality, which will be completed in 2026. Napoli’s director Giovanni Manna confirmed: ‘We believe Højlund will permanently transfer to us, which requires €44 million plus the €6 million already received by Manchester United, so it’s just a procedural step.’"

Manchester United, Napoli, and Højlund all feel the deal is fair. Højlund shared his view on success: "Personal growth, striving to be the best version of myself, improving every day, following the coach’s guidance, and learning from teammates. Romelu (Lukaku) will recover soon, and I want to learn from him because he has extensive experience working with the coach (Conte)."

Italian legendary striker Vieri highly praised Højlund: "I believe Højlund could be among the top five forwards worldwide right now. He can score goals and knows how to penetrate attacks and break down defenses. His left foot is excellent, he’s intelligent, and physically strong. In short, he has it all."

Although mocked as useless during his Premier League stint and doubted by many teammates, Højlund firmly denies this. He believes he performed well at Manchester United and made many friends.

Højlund said: "That period was highly scrutinized and stressful. I found it hard to refuse joining because I’m a Manchester United fan. I think I did well there; you might say I needed more time to develop, maybe a year or more, but I believe joining Manchester United was the right step for me."

He added: "I think my first year was especially good, becoming the team’s top scorer, performing well in the Champions League, and winning a trophy with my teammates. I enjoyed my time in Manchester; they are still my friends, and whenever I watch their matches, I cheer and wish them well."

However, Højlund also revealed that his idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose second spell at the Red Devils famously ended with a fallout.

Højlund told Sport Bild: "Obviously, Cristiano is my biggest idol. I feel I tried to learn from him. We’re not the same type of player, but mentally, in terms of his hunger for goals and instincts, we are quite similar."

Højlund expressed his desire to emulate Ronaldo’s confidence in ignoring outside doubts and proving himself: "Honestly, I think he’s really cool. Since I was a kid, my friends and I admired him for his demeanor, confidence, and mindset. He believed he was the best, even if some didn’t agree. He didn’t care about anything else, just focused on constant improvement. I truly admire that about him."

During the summer’s UEFA Nations League, Højlund celebrated a goal in front of Ronaldo with the iconic "SIUUUUUU" celebration, only for Ronaldo to score in the next match and turn the game around. Højlund explained: "I’ve only seen him once or twice, during national team matches, when I copied his celebration. I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I hope one day to have the chance to chat."