Manchester United completed the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for a reported cost of £64 million ($82 million) on Saturday.
As United manager Erik ten Hag finally achieved his wish to bring in a striker ahead of the new Premier League season, Hojlund agreed to a five-year contract with the option of an additional season.
The 20-year-old could cost United a further £8 million if add-on clauses in his contract are met.
“It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player,” Hojlund said.
“I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me.
“It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players.”
Ten Hag made Hojlund his primary target after apparently refusing to pay Tottenham’s asking price for England striker Harry Kane, who appears to be on his way to German champions Bayern Munich.
Before United won the race, Paris Saint-Germain was rumoured to be interested in signing Hojlund.
Ten Hag was eager to improve his striker options after a season in which his team lacked a cutting edge.
United finished third in the Premier League with 58 goals, 36 fewer than champion Manchester City.
Although Hojlund has a low profile in comparison to many of his new teammates, Ten Hag is convinced he will thrive in the spotlight at Old Trafford.
United football director John Murtough said: “Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent. He possesses technical and physical attributes which rank him amongst the best players in the world for his age group.
“Working under Erik and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform.”
Hojlund has enjoyed a sudden rise since starting his career in relative obscurity with Danish club FC Copenhagen in 2020.
He then moved on to Sturm Graz in Austria, where his 12 goals in 21 games convinced Atalanta to sign him in August 2022.
He scored 10 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions for the Italian team last season, catching Ten Hag’s eye in the process.
Hojlund’s presence in the United attack will also allow Ten Hag to deploy England forward Marcus Rashford in his preferred role on the left flank.
