Manchester United's second summer departure confirmed! Napoli officially announces purchase of Højlund, details revealed.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will depart the club at the end of this season, concluding his contract with a free transfer. The second player confirmed to leave United this summer has also been identified. Napoli's sporting director stated that irrespective of Champions League entry, they will trigger the €44 million option to finalize Højlund's permanent move.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed: "Napoli will activate the €44 million buyout option for Højlund, as previously reported. Director Manna affirmed: 'There is no doubt, Rasmus (Højlund) will stay here. If we qualify for the Champions League, we are obligated to buy him from Manchester United. But regardless of whether the condition is met, he is part of our future plans.'"

Italian "Transfermarkt" reported that Napoli acted much more decisively than Barcelona. Although they indeed considered negotiating with United, upon learning that the Red Devils would not accept any fee below the agreed buyout amount, they did not prolong discussions and directly adhered to the agreement, consenting to the €44 million purchase.

The Manchester Evening News analyzed: Napoli, currently positioned in Serie A's Champions League zone, also have the option to emulate Chelsea's approach with Sancho by paying to return him, but this is unlikely to happen. This season, Højlund scored 13 goals in 35 matches, a respectable tally for a young player, and his playing style appears well-suited to Serie A.

The Manchester Evening News' Tyrone Marshall said: "I can understand some United fans even wishing to see Højlund in Carrick's system, given he supported the Red Devils from childhood. I believe in Amorim's 343 system, every forward is destined to struggle. Højlund and Šeško both find it difficult to fulfill the roles he desires, and I recall it didn't benefit Chido Obi either. However, the chance for Højlund to return to United does not exist."

Statistics show Napoli's acquisition of Højlund is not without reason. He scored 13 goals and provided 4 assists across 35 matches in all competitions, sufficiently demonstrating that the 23-year-old Danish striker possesses ability; he simply wasn't suited to United and the Premier League.

According to prior Italian media reports, Napoli has already reached a personal agreement with Højlund himself: a post-tax annual salary of €5 million, with a contract extending 5 years until 2031. Moreover, it will include a €85 million release clause, indicating Conte's strong confidence in him.

It is reported that Højlund's release clause will only become active in 2027, meaning Napoli hopes he will remain for at least two years. If a club wishes to acquire him thereafter, they can pay the buyout amount in three installments.

Apart from the officially confirmed departures of Casemiro and Højlund, the summer exits of two other United players are also open secrets. The first is winger Sancho, loaned to Aston Villa; his contract with United runs until June 30, with a one-year priority renewal option, but United absolutely will not exercise it, meaning Sancho can leave free. The other is left-back Tyrell Malacia, whose contract situation is identical to Sancho's, ending likewise with a free transfer.

Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Altay Bayındır is also expected to depart this summer; rumors suggest he has reached an agreement with Beşiktaş to return for €5 million after this season. However, this transaction has not yet been authoritatively confirmed.