Manchester United decided to cut Rasmus Hojlund loose after a dismal 2024/25 season in which he managed a meagre four Premier League goals.
Ruben Amorim needed more firepower, and INEOS brought in Benjamin Sesko. The Dane was heartbroken as he wanted to stay and fight for his place and prove his critics wrong.
However, he was never offered the chance as the head coach omitted him from three matchday squads, and the 22-year-old ended up joining Napoli on loan instead, as a replacement for ex-United striker Romelu Lukaku.
His replacement at Old Trafford, Sesko is yet to set the stage alight, but the Denmark international made an instant impact on his return to Italy.
Rasmus out He netted on his debut against Fiorentina, and his new manager, Antonio Conte praised his impact, while also taking a subtle dig at the Red Devils.
“We signed Hojlund to replace Romelu, who will be out for a long time. Napoli controlled the match today, we also need someone who can hold the ball up, thats true of all teams who want to dominate matches.
“Hojlund is only 22 years old, we got him from Manchester United, seeing as it brought us luck doing that with McTominay,” Conte joked to Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia).
“We knew his qualities, he has great potential and can improve. You can see hes a lad with great prospects.”
Debut goal reaction The Serie A giants have flourished by targeting ex-United players, as seen from the season Scott McTominay enjoyed last term.
And while certain sections of the media will now start branding Amorim’s call to get rid of the ex-Atalanta ace as a stupid decision, the truth is Rasmus Hojlund never looked ready for the English top-flight.
He struggled to hold-up play, while also struggling with basic tasks, and it was clear that the Glazers and Erik ten Hag should have signed him as an understudy instead of the club’s main focal point.
Serie A suits his skillsets much more, given the slower nature of play there, and the space afforded to players. INEOS won’t mind one bit as more the Denmark international succeeds, the higher the chance of Napoli signing him permanently.
Feature image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
