SYDNEY (AP) – Manchester United signed Denmark striker Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta on Saturday in a transfer that ends the Premier League membership’s seek for a alternative for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Højlund value an preliminary 64 million kilos ($82 million) and that price may go up by an extra 8 million kilos ($10 million) depending on his success. He has signed a five-year contract with an possibility to increase by 12 months.
“It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player,” Højlund mentioned. “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me.”
In an offseason that has seen United repeatedly linked with a transfer for Harry Kane, the membership has opted to go together with an rising expertise in Europe, quite than one of the crucial prolific strikers of his era.
The 20-year-old Højlund has impressed together with his performances for Atalanta within the Italian league, however solely scored 10 targets in all competitions in his one season with the membership. He has performed lower than 100 senior video games.
“It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players,” he mentioned.
Højlund had beforehand been recognized as a rising prospect with Copenhagen in his residence nation after which with Austrian staff Sturm Graz.
“Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent; he possesses technical and physical attributes which rank him amongst the best players in the world for his age group,” United soccer director John Murtough mentioned. “Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform; everyone across the club will ensure that he is given the time and all the support required to reach his immense potential.”
Højlund is unlikely to be out there at the beginning of the season after sustaining a tissue damage in coaching with Atalanta. He is recovering and has been in a position to practice, however it’s prone to take a number of weeks earlier than he can play. United opens its Premier League season on Aug. 14 in opposition to Wolverhampton.
Ten Hag has been searching for a middle ahead since Ronaldo’s departure final November and, in addition to Kane, had been linked with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Kane’s price ticket had been seen as an impediment to a transfer to United, whereas there have been doubts Tottenham can be ready to promote to a Premier League rival. Bayern Munich seems to be main the race to signal the England captain, who will develop into a free agent on the finish of the season.
Højlund has been handed one of the crucial prestigious jobs in soccer as United’s striker.
It can be one of the crucial demanding, having been held by among the sport’s greats like Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Ronaldo.
Quite a few gamers have struggled to deal with the function of main United’s assault with even high-profile forwards Romelu Lukaku and Edinson Cavani each failing to impress when signed lately.
In Højlund, United has opted in opposition to a readymade striker who has already established himself on the high of the game.
“Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development,” Højlund mentioned. “I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new teammates at this special club.”
Højlund is United’s third main signing of the offseason following offers for midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Ten Hag led the membership again into the Champions League in his first season in cost and likewise received the English League Cup.
There is an expectation to problem for the Premier League title in his second 12 months on the membership.
While United completed third final season, any hopes of a title problem had been undermined by the shortage of a high quality middle ahead following Ronaldo’s departure.
Marcus Rashford scored a career-best 30 targets in all competitions, however Ten Hag spoke of the necessity for extra targets all through his staff, quite than relying too closely on the England striker.
“Throughout the summer we have acted quickly and decisively to secure our primary targets early in the transfer window,” Murtough mentioned. “This will ensure that Erik and his coaches have the best opportunity to prepare the squad to push for further success in the exciting campaign ahead.”
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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