Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta BC on a contract until June 2028, with the option of a further 12 months.
The 20-year-old only made the move to Atalanta from Sturm Graz last summer, and he featured on 34 occasions for the Italian outfit during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering four assists in the process.
Man United had been linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen earlier in the transfer window, but it became apparent over the last couple of weeks that Hojlund was the team's leading target in the final third of the field.
The 20-time English champions have now confirmed the arrival of the Dane ahead of Saturday afternoon's pre-season friendly with Lens at Old Trafford.
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Hojlund has become Man United's third signing of the summer transfer window after Mason Mount and Andre Onana, who have joined from Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively.
The striker was presented to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of the contest with Lens, but he will not be available for the start of the 2023-24 campaign due to a minor injury that he picked up at Atalanta.
"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," he told the club's official website.
"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. 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.
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"Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; 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."
Meanwhile, Man United's football director John Murtough said: "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.
"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.
"Throughout the summer we have acted quickly and decisively to secure our primary targets early in the transfer window. 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."
Hojlund's injury could allegedly keep him out of Man United's first two Premier League games of the new season against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.
Matt Law
