Manchester United have completed the £72 million signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
The 20-year-old joined the Serie A club in 2022 and scored 10 goals in 34 appearances last season. He joins United on a five-year contract.
“It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy,” stated Hojlund.
“I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.”
He is United boss Erik ten Hag’s third summer signing, following Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55 million and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana for £47.2 million.
Paris St-Germain, the Ligue 1 winners, were also said to be interested in Hojlund as a possible replacement for France captain Kylian Mbappe, whose future is uncertain.
“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to make that dream a reality, and I am determined to repay the club’s faith in me,” Hojlund concluded.
“It’s early in my career, but I know I’m ready to take this next step and play alongside this group of world-class players.”
“After speaking with the manager, I knew this environment would be ideal for my development; I am excited to work with one of the best coaches in the world.”
“Under his guidance and support, I am confident that I am capable of great things with my new teammates at this special club.”
Hojlund began his senior career at Copenhagen, making his Danish Superliga debut in 2020 at the age of 17, before moving to Austrian club Sturm Graz two years later.
He only played six months in the Austrian Bundesliga after joining Sturm in January 2022, but he scored every other game, scoring nine goals in 17 starts.
Because of his remarkable form, he was sold to Atalanta for an estimated £15 million, ten times what Sturm Graz spent for him.
He made his international debut in 2022 and has six goals in six games in Euro 2024 qualifying.
“Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent; he possesses technical and physical attributes that place him among the best players in the world for his age group,” Manchester United director of football John Murtough remarked.
“We acted quickly and decisively throughout the summer to secure our primary targets.” This will provide Erik and his coaches with the finest opportunity to prepare the team for future success.”
United host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first 2023-24 Premier League match on Monday, 14 August, at 20:00 BST.
