Rasmus Højlund appears increasingly likely to depart Manchester United this summer with Benjamin Sesko’s arrival at Old Trafford imminent. United will pay RB Leipzig an initial €78.5 million fee for the Slovenian international with the figure almost guaranteed to rise to €85m with add-ons. Sesko’s arrival casts extreme doubts on Højlund’s future and it’s understood that United will entertain offers, either on-loan or permanently, before the transfer window closes – despite the Danish international’s preference to stay.
Speaking recently on United’s pre-season tour of the United States, Højlund said: “I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp, so I’m welcoming everything that comes.” Højlund’s point about still being just 22 is extremely valid and he clearly possesses huge potential but he simply wasn’t good enough last season with four goals in 32 Premier League games. There was huge excitement when United spent €77.8m to sign Højlund from Atalanta two years ago and he still has significant interest from several European clubs. The striker sreportedly wants to stay and fight for his place but we’ve analysed five potential destinations for Højlund this summer.
AC Milan
AC Milan are favourites to land Højlund this summer as they embark on a new era under Massimiliano Alegri. I Rossoneri have reportedly opened initial talks with United over an initial loan deal with an option to buy. According to reports in Italy, AC Milan are willing to pay €5m for the loan fee with the buy-clause at €40m but it remains to be seen whether United or Højlund will accept those conditions.
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig would be a fascinating option given Sesko moving in the opposite direction. It’s understood that the Bundesliga club enquired over Højlund’s availability during talks for Sesko but the player wasn’t keen on a move to Leipzig. His stance could change, however, if Ruben Amorim makes it clear that Højlund isn’t part of his plans for the upcoming season.
Bayer Leverkusen
Although Højlund is currently not keen on a move to the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen would offer him the opportunity to reunite with the man who brought him to Old Trafford – Erik ten Hag. Transfermarkt understands that Leverkusen officials have refused to rule out a move for Man United striker and it would make sense. Højlund’s characteristics are well-suited to the Bundesliga and he could shine. Leverkusen also have money to spend as they’ve raised the second highest income of any club this summer (€206m) and need to replace outgoing stars.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan were strongly linked with a move for Højlund earlier this summer and they could yet revive their interest. Inter are embarking on a rebuild this summer as they look to bring down the average age of their squad with their five permanent signings aged 23 and under. Højlund would fit their recruitment strategy but Inter still currently have two elite strikers in Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, so their priorities lie elsewhere.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have ensured a miserable transfer window so far after being rejected by three or four top targets, including Sesko. Eddie Howe’s side offered Leipzig a higher fee than Man United for the striker but he ultimately wanted to join Amorim’s men. Newcastle are desperate to add another attacker this summer with huge uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future. The Magpies have been linked with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa but Højlund could be an alternative at a cut-price fee.
