Jul 27, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund (9) looks up after scoring a goal during the first half against the Arsenal at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

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Manchester United Transfer News: Rasmus Hojlund’s AC Milan Move in Doubt As Boniface Nears San Siro Switch

Manchester United’s hopes of offloading Rasmus Hojlund have suffered a major blow, with reports suggesting AC Milan are close to signing Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface instead. Hojlund has been heavily linked with a move to the Rossoneri this summer after falling out of Ruben Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford following the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

However, Italian giants AC Milan have turned their focus to Boniface, with a loan deal for the Nigerian striker now close. As a result, it has left Hojlund’s San Siro switch on the brink of collapse. United had been keen for any loan move involving Hojlund to include an obligation to buy, but Milan had been reluctant to agree to such terms. By contrast, the proposed Boniface deal will only include an option to buy, giving Milan flexibility over his long-term future.

🚨 If Milan close Boniface, Hojlund will no longer become a viable option

[@MatteMoretto] pic.twitter.com/QUM3yNeMj1
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) August 20, 2025

Napoli Emerge As Frontrunners for Hojlund

The Denmark international endured a difficult first two seasons in Manchester, scoring just four Premier League goals last term. Despite managing 26 goals and six assists across 95 appearances for United in all competitions, Rasmus Hojlund’s inconsistency and overlap in playing style with new arrival Sesko have pushed him further down the pecking order.

Also Read: Arsenal Hijack Tottenham Hotspur Move as Eberechi Eze Nears Transfer Completion

Hojlund was left on the bench against Fiorentina in United’s final pre-season match. Notably, the striker was omitted entirely from the squad in their Premier League league opener against Arsenal. Amorim later explained that he opted for Sesko as the two strikers share “similar characteristics.”

[®]™ Respect for Rasmus Hojlund. Even after being left out from the Arsenal match, he still showed up to watch Man United play 😮‍💨♥️💔 pic.twitter.com/PsgtlgG3lK
— United Radar (@UnitedRadar) August 20, 2025

ALSO READ: Arsenal eye Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers amid Havertz injury blow

Milan’s pursuit of Boniface looks set to close one door, but Hojlund still has other admirers in Serie A. Napoli are reportedly weighing up a loan move after Romelu Lukaku suffered a thigh injury that could keep him sidelined for four months. Meanwhile, Hojlund’s former club Atalanta are also considering an approach, though financial constraints could make that difficult. As a result, Seria A champions Napoli are now being considered the frontrunners in the race to sign Hojlund.

🚨🔵 Napoli have made new contact with Man United today for Rasmus Højlund deal, talks underway.

Højlund’s camp also in talks with Napoli as player’s keen on the move while also wants guarantees to stay at the club in future, not a simple loan.

Negotiations ongoing. 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/ZqM4ITGCeB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025

AC Milan

Manchester United

Rasmus Hojlund

Victor Boniface

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.