Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund completed a permanent switch away from Manchester United during the current transfer window
Rasmus Hojlund became Napoli’s record acquisition this summer(Image: (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images))
Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri has issued Rasmus Hojlund with a target of finding the net 20 times this term following his full transfer to the Italian top-flight side. The club Michael Carrick managed received a sum of £38m, with the Dane converting his temporary stint at Gli Azzurri into a permanent deal after spending last season on loan there.
The 23-year-old contributed 12 goals and provided five assists across 33 Serie A fixtures during the previous campaign under Antonio Conte, though incoming manager Allegri is demanding greater output. The Napoli head coach holds the former United forward in high regard and previously attempted to bring him aboard during his tenure at AC Milan.
Nevertheless, the Danish international chose to relocate to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, reuniting with former Manchester United colleague Scott McTominay. Unfortunately for the former Old Trafford pair, they were unable to defend their Serie A crown, concluding the season 11 points adrift of champions Inter.
According to reports in Gazzetta, Allegri has laid down the challenge of 20 goals for the upcoming season, a milestone he failed to reach during his spell at Old Trafford. Had he managed this feat, his trajectory at United might have unfolded considerably differently, having netted 16 times across all competitions during his debut campaign with the Red Devils.
He subsequently managed ten goals from 52 appearances throughout the 2024-25 season, though only four of those arrived in Premier League action.
Rasmus Hojlund has been completing extra training sessions(Image: 2026 SSC NAPOLI)
When aggregating the loan payment remitted to United the previous term alongside this summer’s transfer outlay inclusive of performance-related add-ons, Hojlund emerged as Napoli’s costliest attacking signing in the club’s history. The former United frontman eclipsed the transfer valuations of Victor Osimhen, Hirving Lozano and Gonzalo Higuain.
Looking towards the new season, Allegri expressed excitement about the campaign beginning, particularly highlighting the passion of Naples as a city. He acknowledged the challenge of facing opponents strong both physically and technically tomorrow, emphasizing the need for a solid and top-level performance.
The manager conveyed his belief that he has inherited an excellent squad from the highly regarded Conte, whom he praised for the work accomplished during his tenure. This, combined with the willingness the players have shown him since his arrival, gave him cause for optimism.
Allegri pledged to bring great professionalism and enthusiasm to the role. He noted that he is coaching a team with strong achievements in recent seasons, describing leadership of such a squad as both a significant responsibility and a source of motivation.
The head coach anticipated an exciting and competitive Serie A season ahead. While acknowledging Inter as the defending champions who would start with an advantage, he identified at least eight well-equipped sides capable of competing for the top positions. He characterized the upcoming season as a new footballing landscape and stressed the importance of unity and optimal preparation to remain competitive across all three competitions the club will contest.
The manager expressed determination to maintain high standards, viewing the action-packed campaign as an opportunity to prove the team’s capabilities both domestically and in Europe. With an excellent squad featuring new additions, he expressed confidence in building upon the results achieved in recent years.