Atalanta Offer Manchester United £50m Swap Deal as Hojlund Faces Uncertain Future at Old Trafford
Manchester United have been handed a potential lifeline in their efforts to offload Rasmus Hojlund this summer, with reports suggesting former club Atalanta are open to a swap deal.
Hojlund, who joined United from Atalanta for an initial £64 million, enjoyed a strong debut campaign with 16 goals in all competitions. However, his second season has been far less convincing, with only eight goals in 45 appearances, prompting United to consider moving him on as part of a major squad overhaul under incoming manager Ruben Amorim.
According to The Sun, Atalanta are monitoring the situation closely and could offer Hojlund a return to Bergamo. The 22-year-old striker remains popular with Atalanta fans, and the Serie A club are reportedly prepared to act if United decide to cut their losses.
The report also suggests that Ademola Lookman could be part of a potential swap deal. The former Everton, Fulham, and Leicester winger has thrived in Italy over the past three seasons and is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League. Lookman, who now represents Nigeria internationally, is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford, making him a possible makeweight in negotiations.
Both Hojlund and Lookman are valued at approximately £50 million, and a deal could suit all parties involved. United may also explore the inclusion of other Atalanta players such as midfielder Ederson or striker Mateo Retegui, with scouts reportedly watching the trio during Atalanta’s recent 1-0 win over AC Milan.
Hojlund’s struggles were further highlighted in United’s recent 1-0 defeat to Wolves, after which Alan Shearer described the striker as “a damaged player.”
“He wasn’t ready and isn’t ready to lead the line at a club like Man Utd,” Shearer said on Match of the Day 2. “There’s no doubt his confidence is shot. He’s not at that stage of his career yet, even though there is clearly a good player there.”