Napoli couldn’t have done better in replacing Romelu Lukaku than by signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United, according to Italian journalist Sabatino Durante. Speaking to Area Napoli, Durante praised the Serie A champions for their smart business in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Lukaku’s injury had left Antonio Conte without his focal point in attack, a significant setback given the Belgian’s influence in last season’s Scudetto-winning run. Napoli moved quickly, securing Hojlund on loan from Old Trafford with a clause that obliges them to purchase the striker for €44m next summer if they qualify for the Champions League.
The deal, finalised on deadline day, surprised many observers, particularly given Hojlund’s underwhelming spell at Manchester United. But with the Danish striker scoring on his Napoli debut in the 3-1 win over Fiorentina at the weekend, early signs suggest the gamble could pay off handsomely. With Conte’s system built around power, pressing, and forward runs, Hojlund’s profile looks a natural fit.
Napoli’s coup with Rasmus Hojlund
Durante was clear in his assessment that Napoli’s recruitment team had solved a looming crisis with a decisive late move.
“With Romelu Lukaku’s injury, Antonio Conte has lost his main striker, a key player. But Napoli has been clever in identifying Rasmus Hojlund as the best replacement, considering that the transfer window was about to close. I don’t think they could have done better.” — Sabatino Durante, Area Napoli
For Manchester United, letting Hojlund leave so soon after investing heavily in him might raise eyebrows. Yet for Napoli, it represents an opportunity to bring in a young, athletic forward eager to rebuild his reputation after a difficult spell in England.
Rasmus Hojlund 2025/26 season stats so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Rasmus Hojlund |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Napoli) | 1 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | — |
| Shots on Target | — |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 16 September 2025
His debut goal against Fiorentina immediately lifted spirits at the club and underscored his potential value in Conte’s frontline.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Napoli’s decision to move for Hojlund could define their season:
“Conte’s teams need a strong, mobile striker at the tip of the attack. Losing Lukaku late in the window could have derailed their plans, but bringing in Hojlund gives them both a short-term solution and a long-term project. If he adapts quickly, Napoli won’t just have plugged a gap, they’ll have found their striker for years to come.”
William also noted: “For Manchester United, letting Hojlund leave after just one season is a huge risk. If he thrives in Italy, questions will be asked about their handling of one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.”
Key Insights
- Napoli signed Hojlund on loan with a €44m obligation if they reach the Champions League.
- The deal came after Lukaku’s injury left Conte without his main striker.
- Hojlund scored on his Serie A debut against Fiorentina.
- Journalist Sabatino Durante called the move the best solution possible.
- Manchester United could face scrutiny if Hojlund rediscovers his form in Italy.
What’s Next for Napoli and Hojlund?
Napoli’s immediate challenge is to integrate Hojlund fully into Conte’s tactical setup. With Serie A fixtures against [Pisa] and Champions League group games looming, the Danish forward will have chances to prove his worth in high-pressure situations.
For Manchester United, much depends on how their own attacking unit copes without him. Should Hojlund flourish in Italy while United’s frontline struggles, the decision to let him go could be seen as a major misstep.
👉 Was Napoli’s late swoop for Rasmus Hojlund a masterstroke, or will Manchester United’s young striker struggle to fill Lukaku’s boots in Serie A?
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