Coming from Old Trafford, Manchester United gets the unexpected done as club prepares to welcome Anthony martial replacement. According to reports, Manchester United have reportedly triggered the €40m (£33.8m) release clause in the contract of one of their principal attacking targets Joshua zirkzee and deal could be announced in coming days as the Dutchmen is very interested in joining Manchester United. Man United triggers striker’s £33.8m release clause. Deal is just a matter of days before he can be presented to the Old Trafford crowd. The fans are celebrating to this news💯🙀🙀
Manchester United are reportedly set to activate the €40m (£33.8m) release clause for one of their main attacking targets. Despite acquiring Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta BC last year, securing another striker remains a priority for Erik ten Hag’s strategy for the 2024-25 season. Hojlund had an impressive first season with 16 goals, 10 of which were in the Premier League. However, with Anthony Martial likely leaving as a free agent, the club needs to bolster its attacking options.
Manchester United’s quest for new forwards has led them to Serie A, specifically Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee. Formerly with Bayern Munich, where he struggled, Zirkzee transferred to Bologna for just over £7m in 2022. Last season, under Thiago Motta, he was involved in 19 goals across 37 matches.
Zirkzee’s record of 11 goals and five assists in 34 Serie A games helped Bologna achieve an unexpected fifth-place finish and a spot in the Champions League. However, with Motta now at Juventus, Bologna may lose key players like Zirkzee. The 23-year-old Dutchman, currently playing in Euro 2024, has attracted interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, and AC Milan. While Milan hopes to retain him in Serie A, Manchester United are reportedly prepared to trigger his €40m release clause after talks with his agents.
The Telegraph reports that Zirkzee has become a significant target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag recently. Nonetheless, several issues remain before he can join Manchester United, including agreeing on personal terms. Although AC Milan has made headway in this regard, Manchester United might offer a more enticing financial package.
From a financial standpoint, a £33.8m investment in Zirkzee would be a savvy move for Manchester United, considering their initial transfer budget of £50m before any player sales. At 6ft 4in, Zirkzee would bring a strong physical presence to United’s frontline and has shown excellent finishing skills in Serie A. However, as seen with Hojlund, adjusting to the Premier League can be tough.
While Zirkzee is 23, slightly older than Hojlund, he is still relatively inexperienced, suggesting Manchester United might still need a veteran goalscorer. A potential Hojlund-Zirkzee partnership could be formidable, but Zirkzee’s arrival would highlight the necessity of keeping experienced players like Bruno Fernandes for leadership and creativity.
