Rasmus Hojlund to Stay at Man Utd? AC Milan Move Collapses as Bayer Leverkusen Twist Emerges

The transfer window always has its fair share of late drama, but few sagas are unfolding quite like that of Rasmus Hojlund. Just when it seemed the Danish striker was heading out of Old Trafford for a fresh start in Italy, his AC Milan move has hit the buffers. And now, with Bayer Leverkusen unexpectedly part of the equation, Hojlund’s future looks more uncertain than ever.

What happens next for the 21-year-old? Is he about to dig in and fight for a role at Manchester United, or is another Serie A escape route about to open up? Let’s break down how the deal collapsed, why Milan are turning to Victor Boniface, and what it all means for Hojlund’s career.

AC Milan Deal for Rasmus Hojlund Falters

For weeks, Milan had been circling Hojlund as their top striking target. The Rossoneri wanted to take the Dane on loan, with United keen to structure the agreement with an obligation to buy at the end of the spell. That, however, was where things unraveled. Milan’s hierarchy weren’t willing to commit to a long-term financial outlay on a player who has struggled to find consistency in England.

Instead, they preferred a softer deal: a loan with only an option to buy. The difference might sound minor, but in the world of football finance, it’s decisive. An obligation ties the club’s hands, whereas an option lets them walk away if the player doesn’t convince. United, needing clarity on Hojlund’s future, held firm. The talks hit a stalemate, and suddenly the whole move is teetering on collapse.

Bayer Leverkusen and the Boniface Factor

CM Grafica Boniface Milan desk 2.1 2026 Hojlund

So where do Bayer Leverkusen come in? Ironically, it’s not through Hojlund, but through Victor Boniface. BBC Sport report that Milan are now switching focus to the Nigerian striker, who was part of Xabi Alonso’s title-winning side in Germany last season.

Boniface has been stuck on the fringes lately, an unused substitute in Leverkusen’s DFB-Pokal clash against SG Sonnenhof Grobaspach. That lack of playing time has made him attainable, and Milan sense an opportunity. A loan deal with an option to buy is being explored, which ticks the financial boxes they were hoping to achieve with Hojlund.

If Boniface does make the move to the San Siro, it effectively ends Milan’s pursuit of Hojlund—for now at least.

Hojlund’s Struggles at Manchester United

Back at Old Trafford, things don’t look much brighter for the Danish forward. Hojlund was completely omitted from Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal. That absence was telling. Amorim has made it clear he wants Benjamin Sesko leading the line, and right now, Hojlund isn’t even second choice.

It’s a harsh reality for a player who arrived in Manchester with big expectations. Signed to be the long-term number nine, Hojlund has had two turbulent campaigns: flashes of promise mixed with stretches of inconsistency. Injuries haven’t helped, but neither has the revolving door of managers and tactical setups.

Earlier this month, Hojlund publicly stated that he wanted to stay and fight for his place. But actions speak louder than words, and being left out against Arsenal feels like a message from Amorim: opportunities will be limited this season.

Napoli Lurking in the Background

Just because the Milan door looks shut doesn’t mean Italy is completely out of the picture. Over in Naples, Napoli are scrambling for options after Romelu Lukaku picked up a thigh injury that could keep him sidelined for four months. The reigning Serie A champions are weighing up a move for Hojlund, seeing him as a short-term solution who could revive his reputation in a new environment.

A switch to Napoli would also give Hojlund the chance to link up with a familiar face. Scott McTominay, his old Manchester United teammate, is already in the squad. That kind of dressing-room connection can make a big difference for a young player trying to adapt to a new club and city.

What Next for Rasmus Hojlund?

So where does this leave Hojlund? Stuck between a stalled Milan move, a possible Napoli lifeline, and a shrinking role at Manchester United. It’s not an easy spot.

The Red Devils are pressing ahead with their season, with Fulham up next in the Premier League before a midweek League Cup tie away at Grimsby. Whether Hojlund features in either game will be a strong indicator of how Amorim really sees him. Is he squad depth, a rotation option for cup matches, or someone United still believe can develop into their long-term striker?

For now, his future remains unresolved. What is clear, though, is that his path at Old Trafford is steeper than ever. Sesko has the confidence of the manager, and United fans are already rallying behind the Slovenian. Hojlund, meanwhile, must decide if he wants to keep waiting for his chance—or take the leap and start fresh elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The collapse of the AC Milan move is a bitter blow for Rasmus Hojlund, who might have seen Serie A as the perfect stage to restart his career. The emergence of the Bayer Leverkusen twist with Boniface only complicates matters further, leaving the Dane in limbo.

But football is unpredictable. Injuries, form, and the grind of a long season can flip the script quickly. Hojlund may yet prove useful to United, or he could still end up in Italy with Napoli if talks progress. What’s certain is that the next few weeks will be critical.

For a player once tipped as United’s future number nine, the pressure is on. Will he rise to the challenge, or will this be the summer when his Old Trafford dream quietly slips away?