Manchester United is set to receive 44 million in transfer fees with 99% certainty! The new release clause after his departure has been established, surpassing his previous valuation.

Manchester United has almost finalized a 44 million euro transfer fee for next summer. Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Rasmus Højlund’s permanent move to Napoli is 99% done. Provided there are no major surprises or injuries this season, he will join the Serie A champions permanently next season.

Romano mentioned that Manchester United is very sure they will sell Højlund next year. “Manchester United is confident that Højlund’s buyout clause will be triggered,” Romano said. “Højlund is expected to stay at Napoli, and the transfer fee is already confirmed. United has received 6 million euros as a loan fee, and the additional 44 million euros buyout fee will become mandatory under certain conditions.”

According to the terms, if Napoli qualify for the Champions League this season, they must purchase Højlund. Napoli lost 0-1 to Torino this round but are only one point behind league leaders AC Milan, making it highly likely they will finish in the top four or top five.

It is reported that Napoli has already agreed on personal terms with Højlund, and his release clause has been set. “Højlund will sign with Napoli, with a release clause effective from 2027, not next summer but starting from summer 2027, with a buyout amount of 85 million euros.”

Manchester United spent £72 million (€83 million) to sign Højlund from Atalanta, and Napoli’s set release clause now exceeds that amount. This also indicates that United paid a premium when they initially acquired the Danish striker.

Another United player out on loan with a buyout clause is Rashford, with Barcelona holding an option to make his transfer permanent for 30 million euros. Romano said that regardless of whether Rashford officially joins Barcelona, the 27-year-old is certain to leave Manchester United. “In all discussions with Flick and other Barcelona officials, Rashford has clearly expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona after this season,” Romano said. “Rashford has performed excellently and is very happy with the club, coach, teammates, and the city. He loves living in Barcelona. If Barcelona decides to keep him and can reach an agreement with United, Rashford will do his best to stay. There are two ways to finalize the deal: one is Barcelona exercising the 30 million euro buyout clause, the other is negotiating directly with United. Rashford is also willing to take a pay cut.”

Former United scout Mike Brown added, “From United’s perspective, it’s sad that Rashford is destined not to return. But I have no doubt many clubs are watching his situation. If he can’t stay at Barcelona, other teams will still be interested, especially if he maintains his current form. Ideally, I believe he wants to stay at Barcelona long-term. As long as he continues to perform well, I see no reason why they wouldn’t buy him.”

There are also reports that Joshua Zirkzee might leave Manchester United next year as he has been mostly a substitute this season. Some even say the 24-year-old Dutch forward is unhappy at Old Trafford. In response, Romano emphasized that Zirkzee is eager to fight for his place. After the win against Liverpool, although he didn’t play, he celebrated enthusiastically. However, this doesn’t mean Zirkzee won’t consider leaving.

“Zirkzee is fighting for his place at Manchester United, and he wants to secure his position,” Romano explained. “Last January, Juventus wanted him, but he chose to stay. Despite Italian clubs returning to negotiate, United decided to keep him over the summer. Zirkzee is happy to stay and compete for his spot. But now it’s late October, and his playing time has been limited.”

“So obviously, he’s unhappy with his current minutes on the pitch. This does not mean he’s unhappy with United or actively seeking a transfer. At present, he is training hard, working diligently, and doing his best to help Manchester United. However, if by January—three months from now—Zirkzee still isn’t starting regularly, he might consider transferring before the World Cup. But as of now, there’s no news on that front. We can wait until January to see, but ultimately it depends on his playing time.”