Napoli director Manna has publicly addressed the structure of the deal, making it clear that the club views Højlund as a future Napoli player despite the transfer technically being finalized at a later date. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Manna said the obligation to buy is not in doubt, adding that the club can already imagine Højlund as part of Napoli’s squad and that the player himself is beginning to see his future in Naples.
Under the terms of the agreement with Manchester United, Napoli have paid a €6 million loan fee to secure Højlund’s services initially. The deal includes a binding obligation to buy, which will see United receive a further €44 million when the permanent transfer is completed in the summer of 2026. Once triggered, the total value of the move will reflect Napoli’s long-term commitment to the striker and United’s structured exit strategy.
The clarity offered by Napoli’s leadership effectively removes uncertainty around the transfer, despite the delayed timing of the permanent switch. By describing the obligation as a mere formality, the club has signaled confidence in both the player’s integration and his role in Napoli’s future sporting plans. The comments also underline that the agreement is not conditional in spirit, even if it remains scheduled for formal completion at a later stage.
For Manchester United, the deal ensures a defined financial return over time, while Napoli secure a forward they clearly regard as a core asset moving ahead. As the countdown toward 2026 begins, the transfer stands as a notable example of modern football’s structured deals—where long-term planning, financial certainty, and player alignment converge well before the final paperwork is signed.
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