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Victory for Serie A side Napoli tonight would finalise the permanent transfer of Danish international striker Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.
It has been widely reported that a specific performance-related clause in the Danish forward's loan contract could result in a £38m windfall for the Old Trafford club as soon as this evening.
Rasmus Hojlund permanent sale imminent
It is qualification for this competition that is expected to trigger Napoli's buy option in Hojlund's loan deal.
Even if the team do not beat Bologna, Napoli face already-relegated Pisa and mid-table side Udinese to finish the 2025/26 campaign, meaning it is highly likely they will be playing Champions League football in 2026/27.
The payment comes as the culmination of a deal struck last summer when Hojlund departed Manchester following a difficult two-year spell in England.
While Man United initially invested £72m to sign the striker from Atalanta, he struggled to find consistent form in the Premier League.
And despite flashes of his physical potential, the burden of being the club's primary goalscorer at a young age appeared to take its toll, leading to his eventual exit in the summer of 2025.
A change of scenery has proved transformative for the 23-year-old. Since arriving in Naples, Hojlund has rediscovered the kind of form that first made him one of Europe’s most coveted prospects.
During 2025/26, he has become the focal point of Napoli's attack, flourishing in Serie A.
Hojlund has made 41 appearances for Napoli across all competitions this season, netting 14 goals. His return to form has not only helped Napoli challenge at the top of the table but has justified the Italian club's decision to include a high-value purchase obligation in the initial loan agreement.
For Manchester United, the timing of this windfall could not be better with the club looking to reshape the squad this summer. An influx of nearly £40m will provide much-needed flexibility regarding Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), even if his market value - according to Transfermarkt - is several million greater than the £38m fee.
To some though, offloading a player who failed to settle while recouping a significant portion of their initial investment will represent shrewd business for the Red Devils' hierarchy.
