Hojlund´s permanent Napoli transfer now a ´formality´, says sporting director

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna believes Rasmus Hojlund will become a permanent signing at the end of the season.

Hojlund is currently on loan with the reigning Serie A champions from Manchester United after struggling to find form under Ruben Amorim.

But things have been different under Antonio Conte, with Hojlund scoring six goals in 12 league games, already better than his four league goals last season with United.

He has also found the back of the net twice in the Champions League.

Only Lautaro Martinez (nine) and Christian Pulisic (eight) have scored more often than Hojlund in the Italian top-flight this term, and the 22-year-old also scored and assisted during Napoli’s successful Supercoppa Italiana campaign.

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When asked if Hojlund’s permanent Napoli transfer was just a “formality”, Manna replied, “As of today, I think so.

“We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it.

“We had no doubts. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach’s input. This makes a difference.

“There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important.”