Manchester United has finalized the acquisition of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, in a transfer valued at £72 million. The 20-year-old player has committed to a five-year contract, with the possibility of extending it by an additional 12 months. This move marks Hojlund as the latest addition to Old Trafford, following Mason Mount and Andre Onana, as part of Manager Erik ten Hag’s summer spending spree that has now surpassed £150 million.
Rasmus added: “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players. Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new teammates at this special club.”
United chief John Murtough stated: “Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent; he possesses technical and physical attributes which rank him amongst the best players in the world for his age group. Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform; everyone across the club will ensure that he is given the time and all the support required to reach his immense potential.”
Hojlund embarked on his professional journey at HUI and Brondby before making a move to the Danish side Copenhagen in 2020. He marked his professional debut at the age of 17 in October 2020. Throughout his first complete season in the realm of professional football, Hojlund registered five goals across 11 matches in the Europa Conference League.
Rasmus Hojlund’s Remarkable Journey: From Austria to Manchester United
It was this impressive performance that paved the way for Hojlund’s transfer to Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz in January 2022 for a fee of £1.6 million. He left a strong impression during his tenure in Austria, netting 12 goals in 21 matches across various competitions, which swiftly led to another rapid transition, this time to Atalanta, for £14.6 million. Initially, Hojlund found himself on the substitutes’ bench as he played second fiddle to the regular starter Duvan Zapata at the beginning of his stint with Atalanta. However, due to a combination of injuries and Zapata’s subpar performance, Hojlund seized the opportunity when it presented itself.
With goals in four consecutive matches in January, Hojlund solidified his position as a regular starter for the team for the remainder of the season, contributing significantly as Atalanta secured a sixth-place finish in the campaign. By the end of the season, Hojlund had amassed 10 goals in 34 appearances and had additionally scored six times in just four matches for Denmark.
Having clinched a high-value transfer to Manchester United, who secured a third-place finish in the previous Premier League season, Hojlund is undoubtedly motivated to continue his progress. This move also grants him the chance to feature in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in his career, as Atalanta was not part of European competition in the past season.
