Atalanta’s Rasmus Højlund: the next big thing in Serie A?
With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martínez, and Dusan Vlahovic all making their marks in Serie A, it is easy to overlook a young Danish forward who has been quietly making waves in the Italian league. Rasmus Højlund, who is only 20 years old, has already gained attention from major Premier League teams such as Manchester United and Chelsea. Since his arrival at Atalanta in August of 2022 for €17.2million, Højlund has managed to score eight goals and provide three assists in 28 games.
Despite his age, the Danish forward has managed to adjust quickly to Serie A, and his performances have caught the eye of many. Jatin Dietl, Area Manager for Italy at Transfermarkt, said: “He has the full package… he is only 20 years old and his potential seems to be enormous.”
At Atalanta, Højlund is in the right place. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the Italian club has become known for developing young players with immense potential and turning them into stars. Players such as Amad Diallo, Alessandro Bastoni, Franck Kessié, and Cristian Romero have all benefited from Atalanta’s coaching.
Dietl attributes Atalanta’s success in developing young players to their excellent youth system and scouting network. In addition, their focus on playing similar styles of football over the years allows them to identify exactly what characteristics a player needs to thrive at their club.
Højlund’s £35m rising value since joining Atalanta already places him in sixth place on the club’s most expensive transfer signings. As a result, speculation is already rife over Højlund’s future. With Manchester United and Chelsea already interested in his services, it is only a matter of time before more clubs join the queue.
However, Dietl suggests that Atalanta will only let Højlund go for an “extraordinary offer” far above his current market value of around €35m. He adds that if Højlund stays in Serie A, he would fit in well at Napoli once Osimhen is sold.
Højlund has an impressive future, and Atalanta has all the tools to turn him into the next big thing in Serie A. However, only time will tell if he can live up to his potential and prove to be the most talented striker in European football.
