Could you see INEOS parting ways with Rasmus Hojlund so soon? (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
David Ornstein has reacted to speculation over a potential Manchester United/Napoli swap deal that would see Victor Osimhen finally make the move to Old Trafford.
In turn, struggling young gun Rasmus Hojlund will be sent the other way to Naples, where he’d reunite with ex-teammate Scott McTominay.
At the moment, the rumour is nothing but that: a rumour. It’s somewhat far-fetched in the sense United are unlikely to give up on their £64 million acquisition only two seasons into his tenure, although the believable aspect stems from the fact they’ve long been linked with Osimhen, and a prolific, proven goalscorer is at the top of INEOS’ shopping list heading into the summer window.
Osimhen looks almost certain to be departing Napoli this year one way or another. He is tied down to the club until 2026 but has spent the 2024/2025 campaign on loan with Galatasaray after a notorious fallout with Antonio Conte last summer.
Things got so fiery that the Nigerian was stripped of his number and removed from their Serie A squad list, with Conte making it known that Romelu Lukaku would be his primary No.9 moving forward.
Ornstein: Hojlund/Osimhen swap deal an interesting but unlikely prospect
As for Hojlund, it’s safe to say things haven’t gone to plan since he departed Italy for England, especially this term. The Dane ended 2023/2024 with a respectable 16 goals to his name in all competitions, including 10 in the Premier League. However, he is currently on just three goals in 24 league appearances this campaign with only nine games remaining.
Still, Ornstein, who was speaking purely based on his opinion rather than factual information he’s heard, is adamant Hojlund will be staying put in Manchester – at least for another season while club chiefs determine his potential.
“Certainly an interesting proposition, but I’m not sure how realistic it is,” said the transfer expert on Sky’s Back Pages podcast. “Manchester United spent £70m+ on Hojlund. My presumption is they’ll be wanting to build with him, rather than bringing in a much older striker in what would be a complicated deal.
“I do expect Osimhen to be on the move, given that Napoli let him go to Galatasaray and the future is really uncertain for him there. And United have been linked, but I’m not sure how realistic it is that United would let go of Hojlund. He is one who would raise some funds, but he would not produce a profit on the book value that he represents.”
“So I think it’s more likely that United will raise funds from elsewhere, as attractive a deal as that might sound for transfer lovers,” he concluded.
