Roland Cutinho
Gian Piero Gasperini hopes Atalanta will attract a huge sum by selling the Danish ace
Italian outfit Atalanta BC’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has revealed that Manchester United could be required to pay a hefty fee of up to €80-100 million (£69-87m) if they intend to secure the signing of Rasmus Hojlund this summer.
There is significant speculation surrounding the future of the youngster, with the Red Devils considering him their top attacking target in the current transfer window.
United are said to be preparing an initial offer for the Danish international, with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain also keeping an eye on the striker.
Gasperini has acknowledged the possibility of Hojlund making a summer move, but as the head coach of Atalanta, he wants the club to wait for the best possible offer in the current unpredictable transfer market.
The coach also expressed hope that the youngster will stay in Italy and continue his progress with the club, stating that the young forward possesses the qualities to evolve into one of the world’s finest strikers.
While speaking to Sky Sports Italia (as quoted by the Manchester Evening News), Gasperini said:
“We all have to consider the financial factor. He’s very happy here, I’d love to keep Rasmus of course but sometimes clubs and also players have to consider huge bids.”
“These things are visible in both senses, he must work to improve because he has the characteristics to become one of the strongest strikers in the world. I don’t know if he’s leaving, the market is unpredictable. I hope for the club they get €80, 90, 100m.”
Earlier this year, Man United considered Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen as their primary centre-forward targets. However, the possibility of signing either player this summer is highly unlikely.
Instead, Ten Hag is eager to add Hojlund to his ranks ahead of the upcoming season. Despite being only 20 years old, he has the potential to make an immediate impact and is confident in his abilities to contribute to the team.
Is Hojlund the right profile for United’s attacking firepower?
Hojlund completed his transfer from Sturm Graz to Atalanta last summer, signing a five-year contract with the Italian club.
In his first season in Italian football, the centre-forward had a successful campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances.
Within Serie A, Hojlund netted nine goals and contributed four assists in 32 matches. He also gained valuable experience in the Champions League with Sturm Graz and in the Europa Conference League with Copenhagen.
It is evident that Man United are unlikely to pursue a deal that involves such a high transfer fee, especially since Ten Hag’s spending on new recruits is restricted this summer.
But the Red Devils will not give up without a fight. They are determined to sign the player, and a bid could arrive soon. Although they may be unable to meet his parent club’s high demands in the initial attempt, they could try to negotiate for a lower fee.
United are also working on selling players to help them in this case. Alex Telles’s recent departure and Anthony Elanga’s proposed move to Nottingham Forest could inject some much-needed cash into their transfer kitty.
However, they have to be quick in this race, as PSG are waiting to pounce on the deal. United would be smart enough to avoid any transfer battle with the French giants due to their greater financial stability.
More Manchester United News
- Fiorentina set transfer deadline for Manchester United target Sofyan Amrabat
- PSG set to enter talks for Manchester United target Rasmus Hojlund
- Nottingham Forest close to agreeing a deal for Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga
Although United have other alternate options, the club has benefited from signing the players that Ten Hag has targeted in the first place. Hence, the fans will be keeping a close eye on every recent development regarding this transfer.
