Inter Set's loan-to-buy strategy is Rasmus Højlund

 

Rasmus Højlund

Recent reports suggest that Inter Milan are targeting Manchester United’s young striker Rasmus Højlund as a key addition to their attack. According to multiple sources, Italian side Inter are “keen on signing Rasmus Hojlund on loan next season.” The rumors – first picked up by Teamtalk (citing Italian outlet InterLive) on May 27, 2025 – say Inter would secure the Danish forward on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. This news comes amid growing speculation that United may consider offers for Højlund after a challenging spell in England.

Højlund’s Background and Recent Form

Rasmus Højlund is a 22-year-old Danish international who rose to prominence at Atalanta in Serie A before Manchester United signed him in 2023 for a reported £72 million (around €85.9 m). Expectations were high, but he has struggled to justify that price tag at Old Trafford. In 95 appearances for Manchester United, Højlund has scored just 26 goals across all competitions – with 16 of those coming in his final season with Atalanta. Observers note that this tally is disappointing for a striker of his profile, fueling speculation that United may look to “cut their losses” by selling or loaning him out. According to one report, he has managed “14 goal contributions” (goals plus assists) this season for United. Those stats underline the frustration on both sides and explain why a change of scenery is being mooted.
Højlund’s playing style – strong, physical, and well-suited to Serie A’s rhythm – has led some analysts to argue that a return to Italy might help him rediscover his form. As TheHardTackle notes, the Danish striker “played his best football in Italy with Atalanta,” and that a move back to his “comfort zone” could bring out the best in him. In other words, a loan to a top Italian club could give him a less pressurized environment to rebuild his confidence.

Inter’s Interest and Proposed Deal

Inter Milan’s interest in Højlund has emerged as part of an ambitious summer strategy under sporting director Beppe Marotta and coach Simone Inzaghi. With experienced forwards Marko Arnautović and Joaquín Correa expected to depart, Inter will “need to bolster their attack.” Reports even list Højlund on Inter’s shortlist of forward targets alongside fellow Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee. One insider article explicitly states that Inter are pursuing a deal for Højlund, with manager Simone Inzaghi “said to be a fan of the striker” and the club “convinced of his quality” despite his recent struggles.
If these rumors are accurate, Inter would likely structure the move as a temporary switch with an option to make it permanent. The Italian press report an “initial loan with the option to buy” – potentially converting to an obligation to buy if Højlund meets certain performance conditions. Such a deal would mitigate risk for Inter: they could evaluate the player without immediately committing a large fee, while Man United could offload his wages and recoup value.

Proposed deal structure (rumored details):

  • Loan with option/obligation: Inter are reportedly pursuing Højlund on a one-year loan with an option to buy, which could become obligatory under set conditions.
    Transfer fee: United are said to be willing to accept around €50–55 million for Højlund, though Inter may try to negotiate a lower fee.
    Wages: Højlund’s salary at Manchester United is roughly €4 million per year. Reports suggest this is within Inter’s budget, making the move financially feasible.
    In short, sources indicate Inter are weighing a deal around €50–55 m (plus bonuses) to acquire Højlund’s rights, with the structure set up to protect both clubs.

Club and Player Motivations

From Inter Milan’s perspective, adding Højlund makes strategic sense. The Nerazzurri finished second in Serie A this season and are still competing in the Champions League final – a high level that demands depth. An experienced attacking duo (Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, both 27) has delivered much of the firepower, but the team can afford – and may need – a youthful third option. As one report explains, Inter’s ambition is to sign a “starting-quality striker” who can provide competition to Martínez and Thuram. Højlund fits that profile: still young, with high potential, and already acclimated to Italian football. Moreover, key veterans Arnautović and Correa are set to leave, so the club has vacated roster spots and salary budget to invest in incoming forwards. Marotta’s broader plan (partly aimed at convincing coach Inzaghi to stay) emphasizes youth and attacking reinforcements, making Højlund a logical target.
For Rasmus Højlund himself, a move to Inter could be appealing. Staying at Manchester United where confidence and goals have dried up risks further stagnation, while a shift to Italy offers a second chance. Analysts note that Højlund’s “best football” came at Atalanta, so returning to Serie A and to a top club might rejuvenate his career. At Inter, he would join a high-profile squad: “one of the biggest clubs in Italy,” with the opportunity to play alongside “top-quality players like Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.” This supporting cast and style of play might suit him better. In addition, playing regularly in the Champions League and Serie A with Inter could provide the environment needed to reignite his form. In short, a loan to Inter offers Højlund a high-level platform without the intense scrutiny he has faced at Old Trafford.

Transfer Details and Financials

The financials of the potential deal align with both clubs’ goals. Manchester United reportedly set Højlund’s price at roughly €50–55 million. Inter, meanwhile, appear eager to get a bargain by negotiating for a loan-first structure. If Højlund performs well, the optional (or conditional obligatory) purchase would trigger the final payment. Team sources claim Højlund’s wage demands (around €4 million annually) are “within the reach of the Nerazzurri.” In context, Inter’s revenue from European competition and now-open transfer funds mean they are in a position to afford such an acquisition.
On the player side, Højlund’s contract at United likely runs through at least summer 2028, which means he and his agent might be amenable to a loan move if it guarantees regular playing time. From reports, the deal would be negotiated to benefit both parties: United reduce their wage bill and recoup value, while Inter gain an emerging talent with little initial risk.

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