In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer window, Inter Milan are on the verge of confirming the signing of top striker in a deal reportedly worth £22million. The move marks a stunning development for the 22-year-old Danish international, just two years after his high-profile arrival at Old Trafford for a fee exceeding £22 million.
Sources close to the negotiations say the deal is now “99% complete,” with only minor formalities remaining before Inter unveil Højlund as their latest signing. The transfer has sent shockwaves through both the Serie A and Premier League landscapes, as Inter capitalise on a market opportunity while United cut their losses on a signing that never quite lived up to expectations.
➤ A Swift Fall from Grace at Manchester United
Højlund’s arrival at United in the summer of 2023 was met with excitement and anticipation. Signed from Atalanta for a fee in the region of £22million, the Copenhagen-born striker was touted as the long-term solution to United’s forward-line issues. But after an encouraging start—becoming the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games—his form dipped dramatically.
In the 2024–25 season, Højlund struggled mightily, scoring just 2 goals in 24 Premier League appearances. During a prolonged stretch of the campaign, the young striker went 94 days without a goal, visibly losing confidence in front of goal. Fans and pundits questioned his positioning, decision-making, and his apparent isolation during games. In seven of his 13 Premier League starts last season, he didn’t register a single shot.
Despite intermittent backing from manager Ruben Amorim, it became clear that Højlund was no longer seen as integral to United’s future. With the club eyeing a summer overhaul and the need to free up funds for other attacking targets, United quietly placed the Dane on the transfer market.
➤ Inter Move Quickly to Pounce
Inter Milan, on the other hand, have moved decisively to secure Højlund’s signature. With their striking options thinned by the departures of Marko Arnautović and Joaquín Correa, and uncertainty surrounding the long-term fitness of incoming forward Mehdi Taremi, the Nerazzurri have been keen to bring in youthful reinforcements.
Højlund, who previously impressed in Serie A during his stint with Atalanta, fits the club’s profile: young, athletic, and with considerable upside. Inter are said to believe the player’s struggles in Manchester were due more to systemic issues than a lack of talent.
“This is a project signing,” said a source inside the club. “He’s still only 22 and has all the attributes Simone Inzaghi wants in a forward—pace, physicality, and movement. He knows the league and the expectations here.”
➤ Transfer Structure: A Bargain or a Gamble?
The deal is expected to be structured as a £22 million transfer, though there are reports suggesting performance-based add-ons could push the total value closer to £30 million. Notably, the transfer does not appear to be a loan-to-buy arrangement, as Inter were initially hoping. Manchester United insisted on a permanent sale, and Inter have agreed to those terms, viewing the price as a relative bargain.
From a financial standpoint, United are taking a substantial hit, offloading a player for less than one-third of what they paid. Club sources indicated that while the club remains supportive of Højlund, they could no longer justify keeping a player who had fallen so far out of favor—especially with new attacking options being explored, including Joshua Zirkzee and Santiago Giménez.
➤ What Inter Are Getting: Højlund’s Player Profile
Despite his recent struggles, Rasmus Højlund remains one of Europe’s most physically gifted young forwards. Standing at 6’3”, he combines height and strength with blistering pace—he once clocked 35.97 km/h in Serie A, among the fastest in the league.
During his final season at Atalanta, he scored 9 goals in 32 Serie A appearances and was praised for his intelligent movement, two-footed finishing, and pressing ability. He also has a respectable record with the Danish national team, scoring 8 goals in 26 caps.
“He’s got all the raw tools,” said former Atalanta scout Federico Castelli. “He just needs the right manager and a system that suits him. Inzaghi might be exactly what he needs to flourish again.”
➤ A New Chapter in Milan
Højlund is expected to be presented at the San Siro later this week, possibly before Inter’s preseason tour kicks off in July. He will compete for a starting role alongside Marcus Thuram and Taremi in Inter’s front two.
For the player, the move represents a return to more familiar ground. Speaking to Danish media earlier this month, Højlund said: “I still believe in myself. I had difficult periods in Manchester, but that’s football. Sometimes you need to take a step back to move forward again.”
This step “back” could well become a giant leap forward if Højlund finds form in Italy once more.
➤ Manchester United’s Rebuild Continues
For Manchester United, this transfer is emblematic of a wider squad clear-out under Amorim, who is eager to reshape the team around younger, more versatile attackers. With Højlund gone, attention will now turn to Zirkzee, Ivan Toney, or even Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as potential replacements.
It’s also another signal of United’s willingness to cut ties with players who don’t fit the system, regardless of price tag—a trait rarely seen in past regimes.
➤ Fans React
Reactions across social media have been mixed. Inter fans are cautiously optimistic, with many welcoming the return of a striker who once terrorized Serie A defenses. Manchester United supporters, meanwhile, are more divided—some relieved at recouping part of the fee, others frustrated at losing a young player without fully exploring his development.
@NerazzurriZone: “Højlund is back where he belongs. This could be the best bit of business of the summer.”
@MUFCWatch: “Sad to see Rasmus go. He needed more time and better support. Hope he shines in Italy.”
➤ What’s Next?
If all goes according to plan, Rasmus Højlund will be wearing the black and blue of Inter Milan within days. While this move represents a risk for both player and club, it could also prove to be a masterstroke.
For Højlund, it’s a chance to rediscover the promise that once made him one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. For Inter, it’s a gamble they believe will pay off—if they can unlock the goalscoring machine Manchester United never quite managed to build.
Official confirmation from Inter is expected imminently.
