As the 2025 summer transfer window enters its final stretch, AC Milan have reached a stunning agreement with Manchester United: the Rossoneri will sign Danish striker Rasmus Højlund for €6m loan fee + €45m buy option, with total fees potentially rising to €50m including bonuses. This deal not only marks a pivotal breakthrough in Milan’s attacking rebuild but also exposes the clash between modern football’s "data-driven valuation" and "FFP survival rules."
1. Transfer Details: United offload, Milan bet on future
With United’s signing of Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, Højlund’s departure became inevitable. Though initially reluctant, the Dane was sidelined by new manager Rúben Amorim, who even deployed Mason Mount as a false nine. Milan capitalized with a low-risk "rent-to-buy" model:
Loan fee: €6m paid upfront, accounting for 43% of Milan’s summer budget;
- Buy option: €45m due by June 2026, rising to €50m with bonuses (e.g., Champions League qualification, Serie A Golden Boot);
- Wage burden: Milan fully covers Højlund’s €4m salary, 3.8% of their wage bill vs. Vlahović’s 7.6%.
2. Player Profile: Can the Serie A veteran revive his career?
Højlund’s career is polarizing: since his €75m 2023 move to United, he scored just 10 goals in 52 games in the Premier League but starred in the Champions League (5 goals in 6 games). Milan covet his 1.92m frame + 62% aerial duel success rate as a target man, combined with his proven Serie A form at Atalanta (10 goals in 34 games). Allegri’s tactical plan highlights Højlund’s 68% in-box touches
and 10.8km average distance covered, which could unlock Leão and Pulisic’s wing play.
3. Milan’s Attacking Shakeup: Jiménez on the chopping block?
If finalized, Højlund’s arrival will trigger a striker competition:
Starting battle: He’ll vie with Mexico’s Santiago Jiménez, who scored just 8 Serie A goals last season and is doubted defensively by Allegri;
- Wild scenario: Milan internally discussed signing both Højlund and Vlahović, which would force Jiménez out on loan or sale. However, this "crazy idea" hinges on Vlahović accepting a €6m salary cut;
- Financial reality: With €105m already spent on signings (De Winter, Atakame), Milan may sell Malick Thiaw (€40m valuation) to balance the books.
4. United’s Calculus: Damage control and wage relief
For United, offloading Højlund is critical for FFP compliance:
Cash injection: The €45m buy option offsets Šeško’s €85m transfer fee;
- Wage savings: Freeing 2.3% of their wage bill allows renewing Onana and signing a right-back;
- Sell-on clause: A 15% future sale cut could net United €7.5m if Højlund’s next transfer exceeds €50m.
5. Key Uncertainties: Medical and tactical fit
Højlund is yet to complete Milan’s medical but has been training separately at United to stay sharp. If cleared, he could debut against Verona on August 17. Danish teammate Simon Kjær’s presence in Milan’s squad may aid integration.
Conclusion: This deal embodies Milan’s FFP-era boldness—using loan fees to test potential gems while preserving flexibility. If Højlund recaptures his Atalanta form, Milan’s attack could transform; if not, the €45m buy option risks becoming a millstone. Can this high-stakes gamble rewrite Milan’s fortunes at San Siro?
