Manchester United's recruitment drive is edging closer to locking in a deal with Atalanta's forward, Rasmus Hojlund. Reports have confirmed that personal terms between the player and the English club have been agreed upon. However, an agreement with Atalanta is still in the negotiation phase, which could see Hojlund pushing for a transfer to expedite the process.
The young Danish striker recently switched to the Amsterdam-based agency SEG, a move fueled by his ambition to enter the Premier League. This switch aligns Hojlund with United's manager, Erik ten Hag, who is also a client of SEG, providing a potential strategic advantage for the Red Devils. The agency's top executives, Kees Vos and Kees Ploegsma, who were instrumental in Memphis Depay's 2015 transfer to United, are leading the charge for Hojlund's move.
Exc: Understand Rasmus Højlund and Man United have agreed personal terms. Player will go to Atalanta and make transfer request if clubs can't agree - SEG's Kees Ploegsma and Kees Vos handling the deal. More on @Transfersdotcom soon. — Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) July 8, 2023
However, sources suggest that Atalanta is setting a hefty £60 million price tag on the promising striker and prefers to delay a sale until 2024 when Hojlund's value could further appreciate. The two clubs are yet to find a common ground in the player's valuation, indicating prolonged negotiations ahead.
Hojlund had an impressive season last year, netting ten goals in 34 appearances. His stellar performance heightened interest from several clubs, but the allure of the Premier League and the potential to work under Ten Hag seem to be swaying the young Dane towards Manchester United.
Simultaneously, Manchester United's summer roster is getting a significant boost with the expected arrival of Inter Milan's Andre Onana next week, indicating a productive transfer window for the club.
Despite the availability of high-profile strikers like Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, a deal seems improbable due to club chairman Daniel Levy's firm stance against selling his star player to direct rivals. This development has pivoted United's focus towards younger talents like Hojlund.
United's robust recruitment under Erik ten Hag is seen as an effort to restore the club's prestige, and the interest shown by players like Hojlund attests to the progress made. While a deal is yet to be finalized, Hojlund's readiness to push for the transfer indicates a keen interest in donning the Red Devils' jersey, a testament to United's continued allure for upcoming talents.
