Napoli director Giovanni Manna is “proud” of Rasmus Hoylund’s selection of Partenopei last summer and claims the striker’s permanent move from Manchester United was just a “formality”.
Last summer, Hoylund joined Napoli on loan from Manchester United with an option to buy.
advertise
The Denmark international has already scored six Serie A goals this season, two more than he will score in the Premier League at Old Trafford in 2024-25.
Former Atalanta striker Hojlund moved to Napoli at the end of August after Romelu Lukaku suffered a serious injury.
Napoli ‘doing all they can’ to sign Hoylund
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Napoli’s Rasmus Hoylund celebrates his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup semi-final match between Napoli and AC Milan at the King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
advertise
“We did everything we could to sign him. There are more legendary clubs interested, but his will is crucial and we are proud of it,” Napoli sporting director Manna told Corriere dello Sport.
“We have no doubt. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach’s input. That’s important.
“If we qualify for the Champions League, there is an option and an obligation to buy. The players consider themselves Napoli players and so do we. This is extremely important.”
Asked by reporters if Hojlund’s permanent move to Napoli was just a “formality”, Manner replied: “From today on, I think so.”
advertise
Hoylund is one of many players Napoli have imported from the Premier League in recent years.
“This is the reference market and even players from a mid-table team like Billing can help you,” Manna noted.
“They have the mentality, but sometimes it takes a little more heart.”
Will Lang leave Napoli in January?
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Noah Long of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Noah Long, on the other hand, moved to the Maradona Stadium from Dutch side PSV last summer but has yet to fulfill his potential at Napoli, so much so that Manner has refused to rule out selling him in January.
advertise
“He comes from a different reality and it took him a while [to settle in,]but he played some great games,” said the Napoli director.
“We expect more from him but we haven’t made a decision yet. The players have to be happy, involved and believe in what they are doing. The team comes before the individual. Good for them that they understand that; otherwise, we will make a decision based on the circumstances.”
