Manchester United Ready to Sell Forward with Fenerbahçe Leading the Chase

Yahoo

18-05-2025

Rasmus Højlund to Fenerbahçe? Mourinho Eyes Manchester United Striker as Summer Reinforcements Begin
Mourinho's Istanbul Revolution Continues
José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe have reportedly set their sights on Manchester United's misfiring forward Rasmus Højlund, according to a new report from Sozcu.com. Having already brought familiar Premier League faces Fred and Sofyan Amrabat to Turkey, Mourinho's next move could further deepen his Manchester United connections — this time up front.
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It's been a mixed debut season at Old Trafford for Højlund, whose Premier League output stands at just four goals in 30 appearances. Despite showing glimpses of potential, he's struggled to assert himself as the commanding No.9 United thought they were getting. With United eager to overhaul their frontline and bring in more clinical firepower, Højlund may be one of the sacrifices.
Attacking Revamp at Old Trafford
It's no secret United are seeking a new focal point in attack. Both Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have underperformed, and as the club look to trigger Matheus Cunha's £62.5 million release clause at Wolves and chase Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, someone has to make way.
Photo: IMAGO
'Man Utd are willing to sell Hojlund – and Zirkzee – to fund their own attacking revamp this summer,' TEAMtalk revealed last month. That reality makes a Turkish escape plausible for the Denmark international.
Fenerbahçe Plot Ambitious Double Swoop
Sozcu reports that Fenerbahçe are keen to sign two 'star' strikers this summer, with Rasmus Højlund top of their wish list. Mourinho is anticipating the possible exits of Edin Džeko, Youssef En-Nesyri and Cenk Tosun, and is eager to reshape his frontline.
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A 'first offer' from Fenerbahçe is expected to come in the form of a loan deal with an option to buy. While the figure remains unclear, such a move would suit Mourinho's tactical evolution in Istanbul. His admiration for Højlund isn't new either — after the sides met in Europe, Mourinho commented how the Dane can 'attack the spaces'.
Photo: IMAGO
Serie A Calling Again?
Fenerbahçe are not alone in their interest. Italian clubs are said to be circling, with former club Atalanta among those monitoring developments. A return to Serie A — a league that suits Højlund's game — may prove more tempting than a move east.
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Still, Mourinho's presence changes things. His track record of reinvigorating players, coupled with Fenerbahçe's ambition, makes this one to watch.
United's Dilemma and Højlund's Future
'On the surface, it seems likelier that Man Utd would prefer to cash in on Hojlund if he's out of their plans. They need player sales to balance the books.' That stark assessment, again from Sozcu, reflects the financial pressures at Old Trafford — pressures which could open the door for Mourinho to strike.
Whether Højlund sees his future in Turkey is another matter. The player didn't find the net in three meetings against Mourinho-coached sides, and a switch to a league that values technical sharpness over physicality could be an awkward fit.
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Still, for Mourinho, it would be another clever reclaim project. For United, it might simply be good business.
Our View – EPL Index
There's something deeply concerning about how quickly Manchester United appear ready to offload Rasmus Højlund. He's just 21, playing his first season in the Premier League, and has been thrown into a dysfunctional side starved of service. Four goals in 30 league games is underwhelming, yes, but so is the midfield creativity and the lack of a consistent tactical identity around him.
Selling him to Fenerbahçe — or anyone — this early feels premature. Mourinho might see something United have failed to develop properly. That's damning for United's recruitment and coaching setup more than it is for the player.
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If the reports from Sozcu are accurate and the first offer is just a loan with an option to buy, then it's hard to see how that benefits United unless they're truly convinced he's not worth developing further. But what message does that send to other young players considering Old Trafford as their next step?
There's a lot to fix at United, but pulling the plug on young talent after one season might only deepen the club's long-term issues.