Manchester United have reached an agreement with Serie A side Atalanta over the signing of striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The 20-year-old was left out of the Atalanta squad that played Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly on Saturday as it was thought an injury would only risk complicating the transfer.
According to Sky Sports, the deal in principle is worth an initial £64m with a further £8m in add-ons.
Atalanta wanted £77m guaranteed when negotiations began between the two clubs.
Hojlund gets the move he wanted because it has been consistently reported this summer that he only wanted United. That meant personal terms were no issue.
The striker is agreeing a five-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months.
A number of Stretty News writers have shared their verdict on the imminent arrival of Hojlund.
Dale O’Donnell, Editor
“What do you mean to tell me we’ve finally got a centre-forward? It’s been a long time coming for Manchester United to step out of the cycle of signing 35+ y/o strikers of yesteryear. Rasmus Hojlund arrives with a big price hanging over his head, yet we’ve got potentially the best emerging goalscorer on the market. And before any MEN journalist throws his narrative down my throat, I can assure you every signing at this level is a gamble. The 20-year-old had to start from scratch at Atalanta last year when he wasn’t expected to break fully into the first team until this coming campaign. But Hojlund turned heads when he started to feature more often, edging his way into the manager’s plans during the season half of Atalanta’s season. Now Old Trafford is his stage and I hope he makes it his own. The kid has international pedigree at such a young age which is another factor to get excited about.”
Jonathan Kahn, Writer
“I can’t say I’ve seen too much of Hojlund, though I’m familiar with the name. But up until now Erik ten Hag hasn’t really missed with any of his signings so for me he’s earned the benefit of the doubt in the sense of, if that’s who he’s identified as his striker then I’m happy enough. Have we overspent? Many would say yes given his age and experience level , but he’s on a six year contract so the real test of whether he was worth the spend is a few years away yet and if he fulfils his potential it could look very different.”
Shaun Connolly, Writer
“Forget the fact he’s Scandinavian – you don’t need to make comparisons to another lad from that area. Forget his age, and forget whatever negative nonsense you’re trying to spin. He is a brilliant footballer who wants to play for Manchester United. Celebrate the signing!”
Matt Henderson, Writer
“Hojlund comes in with great pressure on him, largely from media and other fans. As soon as a youngster is valued what he is, people instantly begin the ridicule. I firmly believe he will have the patience of United fans, quite possibly start strongly and hopefully turn in to a worthwhile risk, one United seldom take.”
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