Done – New Man Utd striker signing explodes into life after club-record deal makes life easy for Ten Hag
According to a reliable source, Manchester United's pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund has gained a considerable boost when Atalanta agreed to a club-record fee to recruit his replacement.
This summer, Hojlund, 20, has emerged as Manchester United’s major transfer target at center-forward. Erik ten Hag admires Harry Kane, and talks have also taken place with Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani. Mohammed Kudus of Ajax was even mentioned as a more improvised and cost-effective solution.
Man United’s emphasis, according to Fabrizio Romano, is on Denmark international Linus Hojlund. According to the source, the Red Devils will make their first official bid this week.
According to the transfer expert, the impending bid has a better chance of succeeding now that Atalanta has agreed to sign Hojlund’s replacement.
Romano stated on Twitter that Atalanta has “reached an agreement in principle” to sign Almeria’s El Bilal Toure.
Everton were also interested in the 21-year-old Ivory Coast international, but Atalanta moved quickly and forcefully.
Almeria has accepted a proposal of €28 million plus €3 million in add-ons from the Serie A club. The Spanish side has also included a 15% sell-on clause.
Toure has agreed to a “long-term contract,” and his medical has been planned. The transfer will set a new club record for Atalanta, surpassing the €22 million paid to Sassulo when he signed Jeremie Boga in 2022.
Most importantly for Manchester United fans, Romano stated that Toure is “likely to be Hojlund’s replacement.”
That will be music to Ten Hag’s ears, who, after signing Andre Onana and Mason Mount, is now looking for a new starting striker.
According to the Telegraph, Manchester United’s maximum transfer fee is £60 million. According to several sources, Atalanta appreciates the Dane more than that, but the Toure move is a clear indicator that they’re prepared for life beyond Hojlund.
Man Utd and Hojlund have already agreed on personal terms. As a result, all that remains is to reach an agreement on the transfer cost and pass a physical.
