Rasmus Hojlund has been chosen by Napoli and coach Antonio Conte to step in for the injured Romelu Lukaku. The young Danish forward, acquired from Manchester United for a total of €50 million (a €6 million loan fee plus a €44 million mandatory buy option if Napoli qualifies for the Champions League), is expected to introduce new attacking dimensions to the Azzurri. Specifically, he promises increased runs in behind defenses and a more dominant presence in the penalty area. Following a somewhat underwhelming Premier League season where he scored just 4 goals in 32 appearances for Manchester United, Hojlund is keen to prove his worth in Italy.
Statistics and Numbers
Rasmus Hojlund (in major competitions)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 32 | 9 | 4 |
| Premier League | 62 | 14 | 3 |
| Bundesliga | 18 | 9 | 3 |
| Champions League | 6 | 5 | – |
| Europa League | 15 | 6 | 3 |
Should You Pick Him for Fantasy Football?
For fantasy football managers, the key question is: Is Hojlund a good acquisition? Conte has made it clear that Hojlund must shoulder the responsibility of filling Lukaku`s void and ensuring that goals aren`t solely delivered by midfielders, as has been the case in Napoli`s first two Serie A matches. With a cost of 55 credits in the Fantacampionato, Hojlund is considered a top pick and a potentially lucrative investment.
While Lukaku`s return will undoubtedly bring a reshuffling of the squad, there`s a strong belief that the former striker`s starting position will no longer be as secure. For those participating in auction-based fantasy leagues, it`s advised to allocate up to 20% of your budget to secure the talented 2003-born striker. Hojlund is already familiar with Italian football, having scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists for Atalanta in the 2022-23 season, and is ready to infuse Napoli`s attack with much-needed unpredictability.
