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Hojlund Scores in Chelsea Defeat as Napoli’s Champions League Exit Leaves Buy Clause Unsettled

Napoli signal intent to keep the striker under a £43.5m option that becomes mandatory only if they secure Champions League qualification.

Overview

  • Rasmus Hojlund netted in a 3-2 home loss to Chelsea that eliminated Napoli from this season’s Champions League league phase.
  • The Manchester United loanee has nine goals across competitions for Antonio Conte’s side after finding his first of 2026 against Chelsea.
  • His deal includes a £43.5m option to buy that converts to an obligation if Napoli qualify for next season’s Champions League, which remains to be determined.
  • Sporting director Giovanni Manna has said the club did everything to sign Hojlund and believes a permanent move is likely, noting the clause terms.
  • United paid about £72m for Hojlund in 2023 and later overhauled their attack with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, a sequence that drew criticism from Gianfranco Zola.