Rasmus Hojlund: Atalanta reject ‘DUMB’ Man Utd signing

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 19 Jul 2023 08:03 CDT
3 min read

Man Utd are still linked with Rasmus Hojlund — © ProShots

Atalanta have rejected Fred in a part-exchange deal during negotiations with Manchester United for Rasmus Hojlund.

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Man Utd are currently in talks to sign the Denmark wonderkid, who has been labelled the ‘new Erling Haaland’.

During talks, according to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd attempted to lower the price tag by offering midfielder Fred in part-exchange.

PROFILE: Who is Rasmus Hojlund?

But Atalanta had no interest in taking a player once described by prospective Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a “dumb” signing.

What did Romano say about Hojlund?

“As I reported yesterday, Manchester United are now preparing their opening offer for Rasmus Hojlund. They have an agreement on personal terms with the Atalanta striker, it’s 100% agreed between United and the player, so they now just need to find a solution with his club,” Romano wrote in his CaughtOffside column.

“Atalanta won’t be easy to negotiate with, as they want €65-70m for Hojlund and have already rejected the possibility of signing United players as part of the deal. One of the players discussed was Fred, but Atalanta had no interest as they’re not looking for players there.

“Atalanta have made it very clear that they want money, not players; something around €70m. Manchester United are now expected to bid soon, let’s see how much, but they want Hojlund as their new striker, and he would also love the move to Old Trafford. Another other option being considered is Randal Kolo Muani, but at the moment the focus seems to be on Hojlund.”

It is unanimously acknowledged that Hojlund wants to join Man Utd. However, the cost of the operation could make negotiations difficult.

United have made the signing of a top-class striker their main priority for the summer transfer window.

Their two top targets had been Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, but United are aware that both players will cost three-figure sums that they are not prepared to pay.

As a result they have stepped up their interest in Hojlund.