McTominay, Key Figure in Napoli's Concoct Diplomacy in Pursuing Rasmus Hojlund

Many methods are employed by a team to convince their target players to join. Promises of achievements, large contract sums, and guarantees of playing time are often used as tools. However, Napoli did not utilize these common approaches to bring in Rasmus Hojlund. "The Donkey" chose a different path, namely, diplomatic friendship through Scott McTominay.

Hojlund has made it to the top of Napoli's list as a replacement for the injured Romelu Lukaku. In addition to Hojlund, Napoli is also reported to be targeting North Macedonian left winger Eljif Elmas.

Hojlund has become a top priority for Napoli considering his experience in Serie A with Atalanta. While representing "La Dea," Hojlund scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances. His impressive performances with Atalanta ultimately attracted the interest of Manchester United to recruit him.

However, after two seasons with the "Red Devils," Hojlund has slowly begun to be forgotten. He is not included in the grand plans of manager Ruben Amorim this season. Amorim did not include him in the first two matches of Manchester United in the new Premier League season. Hojlund's position at MU has been displaced since the arrival of new forwards Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

Indications that Hojlund would be sidelined emerged during Manchester United's preseason friendly match against Fiorentina at Old Trafford Stadium in early August 2025. Although he was included on the substitute list, Amorim did not give him any opportunity to play. Amorim's actions are believed to be a veiled message that the current main number nine striker for Manchester United is Sesko.

I think my plan is very clear, which is that I will stay and fight for my place, no matter what.

From there, the issue of Hojlund's transfer gradually emerged. Although he failed to shine at MU, Hojlund's appeal still attracts the interest of AC Milan and RB Leipzig. The competition to secure Hojlund's services has intensified after Napoli lost Lukaku.

To convince Hojlund, Napoli is utilizing their current "ambassador," Scott McTominay. The top striker of Serie A last season has a fairly close relationship with Hojlund as they both played for MU in 34 matches.

Instead of using the lure of money or guarantees of playing time, the "friendship diplomacy" approach akin to McTominay was first taken with the hope of winning over Hojlund, who had previously stated his readiness to compete for a place at MU.

"I think my plan is very clear, which is that I will stay and fight for my place, no matter what happens," said the Denmark national team player during Manchester United's preseason tour in the United States.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport was the first to report on Napoli's "cohabitation diplomacy." In a report on Monday (August 25, 2025) early morning WIB, Corriere dello Sport revealed that McTominay had called Hojlund last weekend.

"Scott McTominay's phone call could be a decisive step towards a definitive agreement for the former Atalanta player. This detail confirms Napoli and Rasmus Hojlund's determination to complete the deal. The player, on the other hand, wants a permanent contract or a loan with an obligation to buy," wrote Corriere dello Sport.

Previously, MU also opened the door to the possibility of releasing Hojlund. He is still under contract until the summer of 2028. Therefore, MU is reluctant to lose Hojlund for free.

"The Red Devils" are also willing to sell him at a lower price compared to when they purchased Hojlund from Atalanta. According to reports from various English media, MU is prepared to let Hojlund go if a club is able to pay a fee of 45 million pounds (approximately Rp 987 billion).

Napoli is likely interested in recruiting Hojlund on a loan basis. In such a situation, a loan clause priced at 5 million pounds (Rp 109 billion) plus an option for a permanent purchase at the end of the season valued at 40 million pounds (Rp 878 billion) is considered the most ideal step.

It is not yet known whether Hojlund was influenced by the negotiations conducted by McTominay. However, considering McTominay's success when he decided to leave MU and join Napoli, there is no reason for Hojlund to refuse to try his luck in a similar endeavor.