WOULD HOJLUND SUCCEED WITH DE BRUYNE WHERE HE FAILED WITH BRUNO FERNANDES?

Would Højlund Succeed with De Bruyne Where He Failed with Bruno Fernandes?

Napoli and Inter Milan are both interested in bringing Rasmus Højlund back to Serie A. But with Inter already having Lautaro Martinez and Napoli now featuring Romelu Lukaku, a front two of Højlund and Lukaku at Napoli is far more exciting and realistic than any combination Inter can offer. Højlund would be wise to choose Napoli.

This post is about what becomes possible if Højlund joins Napoli, a club now blessed with Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.

Let’s be real. Højlund did not fail at Manchester United because he lacks talent. He failed because of the poor support system around him.

– Bruno Fernandes does not have the vision or precision needed to feed a striker like Højlund.

– Garnacho and Amad often overcomplicate things and fail to deliver quality crosses.

– The entire United setup does not exist to create chances for a number nine. No striker can thrive in such conditions.

26 goals in 95 appearances at United says more about the quality of his service than his ability.

Now imagine Højlund at Napoli:

– A system built by Antonio Conte, a manager who creates clear roles and responsibilities for his forwards.

– A midfield led by Kevin De Bruyne, arguably the best chance creator in football.

– A strike partner in Romelu Lukaku, who already understands Serie A and plays with strength and precision.

Højlund could score 30 or more goals next season in that environment. A striker is only as good as the players who pass and cross to him. And if De Bruyne features in at least 70 percent of Napoli’s matches next season, expect Højlund to explode.

At United, the problem was never the striker. It was the players who were supposed to supply him.

Højlund was dropped into a team where the attacking midfielders wanted to be the finishers.

What looked like a lone-striker formation on paper turned into four attackers crowding the box with no clear plan.

He needs to leave.

And with United’s underwhelming transfer strategy this summer, he has no reason to stay.

Yes, Cunha may be an upgrade on Bruno, but without the right wingbacks or wide creators, nothing changes.

Dalot has good moments, but he ignores Højlund in dangerous areas far too often last season.

There is no consistent structure or support.

At Napoli, that changes.

Even though Inter has someone like Mkhitaryan, a solid creator, he is still not De Bruyne.

And between both clubs, Napoli are more system-driven and more chance-focused.

Both Napoli and Inter are heading into the Champions League. That means group stage matches against clubs from leagues like Belgium, Czech Republic, Sweden, Ukraine, and Scotland. It is the perfect stage for Højlund to bag 8 to 10 goals and build momentum.

Napoli provides him with structure, support, and star creators. That is where he becomes a complete striker.

If he wants to grow and be recognised for what he truly is, he must choose Napoli over Inter.

It is the difference between another average season in England and a 30-goal season in Italy.