Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: July 11, 2023, 11:10 IST
Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund at Denmark (Twitter)
Atalanta have set a tranfer fee of £50million for 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund with Manchester United weighing up their options
Manchester United seem to have made Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund their prime target for the summer transfer window. According to Sport Italia, the Atalanta player is now willing to arrive in Manchester ahead of the next season. It is being learnt that the Italian club have set a price tag of £50million for the 20-year-old. Having joined the Serie A club in August last year, Hojlund has so far scored 10 goals in 34 appearances. While Manchester United seem to be determined to rope in Hojlund this summer, some scouts believe that the Danish player’s signing will not pay the Red Devils much dividends.
“We looked at Hojlund some time ago when he was coming through the Danish international age groups and while he was at Copenhagen and Sturm Graz. He was worth a punt but the money being asked now would represent a much greater risk. He’s still unproven and the Premier League is a very unforgiving place especially if you’re in a Manchester United shirt,” an experienced talent spotter for a top-eight Premier League club was quoted as saying by Mirror.
Another Scandinavian scout, who has been closely observing talents in countries like Denmark, Norway and Sweden for decades, voiced a similar opinion. “He’s no Haaland. It’s strange too that he’s mentioned alongside Harry Kane as a possible United target – they are worlds apart. Hojlund can improve because he’s still young but any time you buy potential there’s always a danger, it’s a gamble,” he said.
Having spent 1,836 minutes on the pitch for Atalanta last season, Rasmus Hojlund managed to find the back of the net on nine occasions. Hojlund recorded a conversation rate of 16.7 per cent. In international football, he has till now netted six goals in as many matches for Denmark.
Manchester United have already made their first successful signing this summer having lured midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea. The English international was landed by Manchester United for £55m. The 24-year-old signed a contract until 2028. The Old Trafford-based outfit are now expected to acquire the services of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. Spanish custodian David de Gea’s departure means that Manchester United will have to sign a first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the next season.
