August 7 – Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund has completed his €75 million switch from Atalanta to Manchester United.
The 20-year-old fills a hole in the red’s front line, as the club finally seem to have secured the number nine they were looking for. Unveiled on social media immediately after signing, Hojlund made an appearance at Old Trafford ahead of his new team’s final pre-season match: a 3-1 victory over Ligue 1 runners-up Lens on Saturday afternoon.
Hojlund signs on a five-year deal worth a reported 800% more per week than his contract in Bergamo. Despite his huge pay rise to £80,000 per week, he still sits significantly below French striker and positional rival Antony Martial on United’s payroll. The Frenchman earns £250,000 each week despite limited game time through injury.
The Denmark international joins Andre Onana and Mason Mount as part of what’s becoming a roster of marquee signings. The Red Devils’ spending has reached the €190 million mark for the second successive season, despite only welcoming three players, excluding Jonny Evans who’s short-term contract expired at the end of July.
The transfer was inspired by Hojlund’s breakout season in Serie A, where he scored nine goals and notched four assists in his first and only season in Italy after signing from Austrian club Sturm Graz this time last year for €20 million.
“Rasmus has huge potential. He wants to score goals, he’s hungry, it’s always on his mind. Trust me, he has such a huge potential and now it’s up to him to exploit it and we will support him, all coaches and teammates,” said Man Utd manager Erik Ten Hag
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1715316450labto1715316450ofdlr1715316450owedi1715316450sni@o1715316450fni1715316450