As Inter Milan chase another trophy‑heavy season in 2025–26, the San Siro club appears poised to reinforce its forward line with Manchester United’s underperforming Danish striker, Rasmus Højlund. Reports of flight tracking into Milan have fueled speculation that the two clubs are nearing a deal. But what lies behind this story? Let’s break it down.
1.
Why Højlund? The Talent Meets Potential
Højlund, 22, arrived in England in summer 2023 from Atalanta in a £64–72 million deal—a figure which sparked high expectation. His talent was clear: a powerful, athletic centre‑forward with intelligent movement and clean finishing. He had excelled in Serie A, netting nine league goals in 32 games in 2022–23 .
However, his time at Manchester United has been marked by inconsistent form, especially in the Premier League, where he managed just four goals in 32 appearances across the 2024–25 campaign . He finished the season globally with 10 goals in 52 outings . Despite flashes of quality, such as clutch Champions League efforts, he failed to deliver consistently .
● Numbers in perspective:
- £64–72 million transfer fee
- 10 goals across 52 competitive appearances
- Just 4 in 32 Premier League games
This underperformance, compounded by Manchester United’s summer reshaping—signing Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and targeting Bryan Mbeumo—positioned Højlund as expendable .
2.
Inter Milan’s Strategic Shift
Inter suffered a brutal 5‑0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, laying bare a need to refresh an aging squad . With forwards Correa, Arnautovic, and Taremi set to depart, the club plans a shift towards younger, dynamic attackers .
Enter Højlund:
- Already Serie A‑tested via Atalanta
- Fits the profile: young (22), mobile, physically imposing
- Seen as a long‑term asset to complement Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram
As club president Giuseppe Marotta acknowledged, Højlund topped a short‑list of forward options to rejuvenate the front line .
3.
From Rumour to Reality: Progress in Talks
A flurry of developments have shifted the story from speculative chatter to negotiation momentum:
- Initial Inquiries
- May 2025: Inter, Juventus, and Napoli explored Højlund’s availability .
- Chief’s Visit to London
- Piero Ausilio, Inter’s sporting director, flew to London in early June to negotiate—reportedly about Højlund—alongside other talks .
- Official Talks Begin
- Fabrizio Romano confirmed “Inter have made contact with Højlund’s camp as talks started” .
- Valuation and Deals in Focus
- United reportedly want around €60 million; Inter prefer a loan with a purchase obligation (€40–45m) .
- A structured deal—loan-to-buy—appears the leading proposal.
- Player’s Openness
- Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Højlund is personally open to the move, even while publicly reaffirming his desire to stay at United .
- Financial & Sporting Alignment
- United want to sell to fund new signings and balance the books; Inter view it as an economical route to secure a top-tier striker .
4.
“Flight to Milan” – What It Could Detail
Rumours of Højlund’s flight being tracked to Milan are yet unconfirmed in the media, but if true, this indicates:
- Advanced personal negotiations
- Potential medical or contract signings in progress
- Inter’s attempts to finalize logistics ahead of official confirmation
While no directly cited source details a flight, the timing of Ausilio’s visit suggests things may be moving behind the scenes.
5.
Context from Fans and Experts
Glad anticipation
On reddit’s r/FCInterMilan, fans have voiced enthusiasm for a Højlund signing:
“Hojlund 100%” (upvoted)
“Based on age and price, Hojlund could be a great addition with an interesting potential of growth.”
They see him as a young talent, capable of learning under Martinez and flourishing in Serie A.
Tactical fit
Inter lose depth with outgoing forwards. A loan‑to‑buy structure offers low risk with long‑term upside, aligning with strategic planning post-PSG defeat.
6.
Potential Deal Structure
The emerging consensus suggests:
- Initial Loan: €5–10 million fee for one season
- Obligation/Option to Buy: Around €40–45 million in 2026
- Salary: Likely shared, given Højlund’s United contract to 2030
This helps Inter manage FFP concerns and allows United to delay fiscal impacts.
7.
What Each Side Gains
Inter Milan:
- Immediate attacking reinforcement with Serie A familiarity
- Younger profile supporting long-term squad renewal
- Possibility to negotiate contingent purchase
Manchester United:
- Financial return (even if at a loss)
- Room in squad and budget for new strikers
- Offloads a high‑earner who hasn’t met expectations
Rasmus Højlund:
- Opportunity to rediscover form in secure environment
- Smaller pressure compared to Old Trafford
- Potential return to where he previously shined at Atalanta
8.
Potential Risks and Downsides
- Form rebound: Can Højlund adapt quickly to Serie A again?
- Pressure: Expectations at a historic club like Inter can be intense
- Loan complexity: Risk of temporary fix without long‑term vision
9.
Flight Tracking & Final Push
Though no media outlet yet names specific flight tracking, the presence of Piero Ausilio in London at a key negotiation window speaks volumes. Tracking a personal arrival in Milan could be the final move before contract and medical are confirmed, fitting with recent proactive moves on Inter’s part.
10.
What to Watch Next
- Contract terms: Is the loan with obligation or option? Fee pricing?
- Medical update: Will come once arrival is confirmed
- Official announcement: Likely mid‑to‑late June if negotiations conclude
- Squad impact: Will Taremi, Arnautovic, Correa finish out the season?
🧭 Outlook
Inter appears set on a strategic pivot. Signing Højlund fits multiple objectives: injecting youth, managing budgets, and building on tactical evolution post-Champions League losses. Meanwhile, Manchester United can leverage flexibility and reinvest in areas like creative midfield or goalscoring. For Højlund, it’s a crossroads—Serie A offers familiarity and lower pressure to reignite a promising career.
Ball remains mid-air, but all indicators—negotiations, valuation gaps, and interpersonal contacts—point to a deal nearing completion. If flight tracking is on point, it could signal the closing leg of this transfer saga—bringing Rasmus Højlund to Milan this summer.
📌 Summary Table
| Party | Benefits | Risks |
| Inter Milan | Talent fit, squad renewal, cost-effective structure | Performance risks, loan deal may lack commitment |
| Man United | Financial return, frees roster and funds, focus on core squad | Could miss resale upside if Højlund thrives |
| R. Højlund | Return to familiar league, rebuild confidence, regular play | May struggle again under fresh expectations |
Final Thoughts
Inter’s pursuit of Højlund reflects calculated ambition—a mix of youth, value, and tactical recalibration. Should terms be finalised soon, a tale of rebirth could follow: from Premier League struggles to Serie A renaissance. Only time will tell. But with every element aligning, this could be one of the most impactful moves of the upcoming window—for player and clubs alike.
