Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'likely to announce Rasmus Hojlund deal on Saturday'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 August 2023

Manchester United 'likely to announce Hojlund deal on Saturday'

Manchester United plan to announce Rasmus Hojlund's arrival from Atalanta BC before Saturday's pre-season friendly with Lens, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly aiming to announce Rasmus Hojlund's arrival from Atalanta BC before Saturday's pre-season friendly with Lens at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils had initially been expected to confirm a deal for the 20-year-old on Wednesday amid claims that he had completed a medical with the club on Tuesday night.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, an announcement from the 20-time English champions is now likely to take place around the pre-season friendly with Lens on Saturday afternoon.

The report claims that Hojlund arrived later than initially planned on Tuesday, which has impacted the timeframe on the confirmation of the deal.

There are allegedly no concerns surrounding the transfer, but the fact that he touched down later than planned has delayed the unveiling of the Denmark international.

Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund in action for Denmark on June 19, 2023 © Reuters

As a result, he is not expected to be involved in the contest with Lens, but there is a slight chance that the forward could make his debut against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on Sunday.

Head coach Erik ten Hag's plans for the two friendlies on back-to-back days are unclear at this stage, but a strong XI is expected to feature against Lens at Old Trafford.

Andre Onana and Mason Mount are set to make their first appearances at Old Trafford for the 20-time English champions following their arrivals this summer.

Should Hojlund's move be secured this weekend, he would then have a full week of training with Man United ahead of their 2023-24 Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.

Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on February 11, 2023 © Reuters

The Dane scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 34 appearances for Atalanta last season following his move to the Italian club from Sturm Graz.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been heavily linked with his services this summer, but it is understood that Man United were always at the head of the queue.

There have been contrasting reports surrounding the exact size of the transfer fee due to the add-ons that will be included in the deal, but it is understood that the package is worth around €70m (£60.1m).

Ten Hag allegedly views Hojlund as a player capable of operating across the forward line, with the Dutchman still wanting to bring in a genuine number nine before the end of the transfer window.

However, the rest of the club's summer business, including the potential acquisition of a new central midfielder, will depend on how much money can be raised through player sales.