Erik Ten Hag is Pushing to Sign 22-year-old Man United Star
Rasmus Hojlund may have endured an inconsistent Premier League campaign, but his stock continues to rise rapidly across Europe. The 22-year-old Danish striker, who joined Manchester United under former boss Erik ten Hag, has now found himself at the centre of intense transfer speculation.
According to sources shared with Caught Offside, a wave of interest is building around Hojlund, with top clubs from Italy and Germany making moves behind the scenes. Despite managing just four goals in the Premier League last season, Hojlund's age and potential are the primary drivers of this summer's scramble for his signature.
The original report revealed, 'Despite his inconsistent performances for the Red Devils, the 22-year-old Danish forward remains a player of immense promise and interest in his services is heating up dramatically this summer.' It is clear that his development curve, rather than recent numbers, is informing the belief that he can still deliver at the highest level.
Photo IMAGO
Ten Hag's Leverkusen Push to Reunite with Hojlund
One of the most intriguing subplots in this evolving story involves Erik ten Hag, now managing Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutchman is reportedly 'pushing hardest' to bring Hojlund to Germany, seeing the forward as a pivotal part of his Leverkusen rebuild. Ten Hag brought Hojlund to Manchester and appears determined to do the same again in a different setting.
Caught Offside confirmed, 'Bayer Leverkusen, led by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, are among the clubs pushing hardest to secure Hojlund's signature.'
Photo: IMAGO
Ten Hag's belief in Hojlund has never wavered and it seems his admiration extends beyond the Premier League, with hopes of harnessing the Dane's raw attributes in a league known for developing young talent.
Serie A Interest Intensifies as Inter's Proposal Rejected
Interest from Italy has reached fever pitch. AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus are all keeping tabs on Hojlund, whose profile fits Serie A's current trend of acquiring young, physically gifted forwards. Inter Milan even went one step further, offering a deal that included Joshua Zirkzee. However, Manchester United immediately declined.
'Inter Milan have already tested the waters with a creative proposal involving both Hojlund and fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee. However, the Red Devils were quick to reject the idea,' the article stated.
This suggests United are not desperate to sell, despite the attention. They are looking for a permanent deal only, holding their ground on valuation and structure.
United's Stance: Not for Sale on Loan
While there is no denial that United are willing to entertain offers, any departure would be on their terms. That means no loans, no player swaps, and certainly no discounts. The belief inside the club remains that Hojlund can still grow into a top-level striker if properly developed under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Caught Offside reported, 'United will have to manage growing interest while deciding whether to cash in on Hojlund or give him more time to develop in England.'
For now, Hojlund remains a Red Devil, but the current transfer window could determine whether United will regret letting another young talent flourish elsewhere.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United fan's perspective, this situation feels precarious. Hojlund is still just 22 and has barely had a consistent run of starts at Old Trafford. Under Ten Hag's turbulent tenure, he often played in a dysfunctional system that offered little service. Now that Ruben Amorim has taken the reins, fans were hopeful that a more fluid, progressive style of play would finally give Hojlund the conditions he needs to thrive.
The idea of losing him now, just as the club resets under new leadership, feels premature. He has the raw materials to succeed: pace, physicality and a nose for goal. While four goals in the Premier League are underwhelming, many fans believe he was misused or underserved.
It's also worth considering that United should not be aiding Erik ten Hag's rebuild at Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutchman struggled to maximise Hojlund's potential in England, so why should he now be gifted another chance in Germany?
United must learn from past mistakes. Offloading young players too early has backfired before, and unless the club are confident they have a clear upgrade lined up, keeping Hojlund could prove to be the smart, if unpopular, decision. Let Amorim assess him through pre-season and early fixtures before making a long-term call. He might just explode with the right manager behind him.
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