The first important step for Milan toward Rasmus Hojlund, and vice versa, came on Tuesday evening, when the Rossoneri contacted the agent of the Danish striker from Manchester United. In doing so, the Diavolo directly confirmed for the first time to the player their interest, after an intermediary close to the club had already begun sounding out the Red Devils in recent days.
On the other side, Hojlund’s entourage, including his father Anders, let Milan know they are seriously considering the possibility of moving to the city, both out of respect for one of the most decorated clubs in the world and for the chance to work with a winning coach like Massimiliano Allegri. The conviction in his mind to stay in Manchester and fight for his place alongside Sesko, Cunha, and Zirkzee is gradually fading, opening the door to Milan. And rather than focusing solely on financial matters, the Danish forward will now discuss technical considerations with the Rossoneri: what exactly do they have planned for him?
Ball to Max
In this context, Allegri will inevitably take the field as well. The coach from Livorno has placed Hojlund (and Vlahovic) at the top of his wish list for a striker to pair with Santiago Gimenez. It will be up to him to provide reassurance about the technical-tactical project he has in mind for the Dane. On one hand, Max has been pleasantly surprised by Gimenez himself; on the other, he knows he absolutely needs one more arrow in his quiver. And Hojlund, given his profile and potential, would be much more than a simple addition.
It’s not out of the question that Allegri could personally try, in the coming days, to explain to the former Atalanta man how he plans to use him, offering the trust that has instead faded at Old Trafford.
Figures
As for Manchester, while it’s true that United have shown willingness to agree to a loan deal with an option to buy, the two clubs still need to bridge the gap over the financial terms. For example, Milan currently don’t want to go beyond a total of €40 million, including the loan fee and the buy option. United, however, are aiming for €6 million for the loan plus over €40 million to make the deal permanent after a year. In short, there’s a gap of around €10 million in valuation.
In addition, Hojlund himself would like guarantees that he could be bought outright in 2026, either through a direct commitment from Milan (an obligation under certain conditions) or with a fee that would not make his permanent stay in Milan highly unlikely. The parties are working to narrow the gap further, and there remains confidence they can close the deal, though not as quickly as the Rossoneri had hoped. In Igli Tare’s plans, Hojlund’s arrival was to be finalized before the middle of next week. Meeting that timeline, however, will be far from easy, with all the potential consequences, including the risk of a rival club stepping in, perhaps willing to pay the transfer fee outright.
Who are the alternatives for Milan if Hojlund doesn't arrive...
That’s why Milan cannot completely abandon other avenues, so as not to be caught unprepared if the Hojlund deal doesn’t develop as hoped. The preferred alternative is Nico Jackson of Chelsea, for whom there was even a recent meeting in London, but it naturally depends on whether the Blues are open to a loan, given that his transfer fee is valued at €60 million.
Also worth monitoring is the situation of Nikola Krstovic, targeted by several Serie A clubs and priced by Lecce between €25 and €30 million. Further back in the list is Victor Boniface of Leverkusen, mainly due to doubts over his fitness. And Vlahovic? For now, that doesn’t seem to be a realistic option.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
