Manchester United reportedly made a player-plus-cash offer for Rasmus Hojlund, although that was not enough for Atalanta as they set the asking price to a whooping £85 million. According to the report, the Red Devils are unwilling to pay the price as they think the fee is very high. Nevertheless, signing a striker remains on the priority list for Manchester United.
The 20-year-old striker had a breakthrough first season with Atalanta last term. He scored 10 goals for Atalanta in 34 appearances in all competitions (stats via Transfermarkt). This is not a good scoring record for a striker which has made many fans skeptical over his transfer. However, he has shown signs and potential to be one of the best strikers in Europe.
According to The Athletic, Atalanta have rejected United’s player plus cash offer and are only interested in a full cash settlement. The huge asking price has led United to cool down their interest in the pursuit of Hojlund. However, if the Italian outfit does entertain a fair price then United will be ready to negotiate.
Wout Weghorst left United at the end of his 6-month loan period. This means they have only Anthony Martial to rely on as the proper number 9 striker. However, the Frenchman is finding it difficult to get regular game time due to constant injuries. This has also affected his gameplay as he avoids getting physical now and runs lesser.
Manchester United might have to break transfer rule to sign Rasmus Hojlund #mufc https://t.co/wRQxgwfjny pic.twitter.com/AiMJjgP9Th
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) July 14, 2023
The Red Devils have completed the signing of Mason Mount for £55 million and Andre Onana for £47 million. The club has a summer budget of £100 million making it difficult for them to complete more signings. United will have to sell quite a number of players to make way for more signings and paying £85 million for Hojlund in such a situation makes very little sense.
Should Manchester United Push to Sign Rasmus Hojlund?
Rasmus Hojlund did not have a good goalscoring record last season per se. It should be noted that it was his first season playing in a big league and having competition for his position in the club. Moreover, he is only 20 years old and still has a lot to learn which makes him a long-term option for United.
Signing Hojlund could have been more sensible if he was available for a price of around £40 million. He is a very similar striker to that of Erling Haaland. The Denmark International has the physicality, the pace in transitions and the striker’s instinct to get into goalscoring positions. United boss Erik ten Hag would love to have such a striker in his squad but it seems a bit far-fetched now.
United had previously enquired about Harry Kane and were willing to pay £80 million for the Tottenham Hotspur striker. However, Spurs want £100 million which is a deal breaker for United. It would make much more sense for United to somehow secure the signing of Harry Kane rather than paying huge sums to Atalanta for Hojlund.
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The Red Devils could also look at Mehdi Taremi who is a much cheaper option and is a short-term fix for the issue. United should keep Martial for one more season, bring in Taremi in this window, and the two strikers could rotate for the position. They might have a better chance at signing a long-term fix in the next season’s transfer window.
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