Joshua Zirkzee is set to undergo his Manchester United medical on Friday! ⚽️ The €42.5m deal brings the electrifying Dutch forward closer to the Theatre of Dreams. With his remarkable pace and goal-scoring prowess, Zirkzee promises to be a thrilling addition to the Red Devils’ attack. Get ready, United fans, because the future looks bright! 🌟🔴
Joshua Zirkzee is scheduled for a medical examination at Manchester United on Friday, marking a crucial step in his anticipated move from Bologna.
After the Netherlands’ exit from the European Championship with a 2-1 loss to England on Wednesday, Zirkzee is expected to travel to the UK on Thursday evening for his medical.
Instead of activating the €40 million (£34m) release clause in Zirkzee’s contract, United will pay €42.5 million, distributed over three years. Triggering the release clause would have required the full amount to be paid upfront.
According to The Athletic, Zirkzee will ink a five-year contract with United, which includes an option to extend for another year.
United has been keen to bolster their forward line following Anthony Martial’s departure at the end of his contract, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the only central striker in Erik ten Hag’s squad. Zirkzee is seen as a player whose skills complement Hojlund, adding depth and versatility to United’s attacking options.
Zirkzee joined Bayern Munich’s youth academy from Feyenoord in 2017, making 17 appearances for their first team and scoring four goals. He enjoyed loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht, where he netted 18 goals in the 2021-22 season, leading to a permanent move to Bologna.
The Dutch forward concluded the 2023-24 season as Bologna’s top scorer with 11 goals and five assists, playing a pivotal role in securing the club’s first Champions League group stage spot since 1963-64.
**A Key Acquisition for Ten Hag**
**Analysis by Mark Critchley**
During last summer’s pre-season, when Jadon Sancho was deployed as a false nine in a friendly against Arsenal, Erik ten Hag expressed his urgent need for a new striker with a simple “Last year!” comment. Although Hojlund joined soon after, Martial’s absence left United short on forward options, putting immense pressure on Hojlund.
Zirkzee’s arrival is set to alleviate this burden. His ability to drop back and link up play contrasts with Hojlund’s traditional No. 9 role, offering United a varied attacking approach.
A fluid dribbler with the physical strength to hold up the ball, Zirkzee will be the first signing of the INEOS era. It will be interesting to see how his playing time impacts Hojlund, who logged 2,158 minutes in the Premier League last season.
For a combined fee of €117.5 million over two summers, United has secured two promising young forwards capable of leading their attack for years to come. And their search for talent might not be over yet.
While predominantly used as a striker at Bologna, Zirkzee can also play as a wide forward. There’s still a chance United might revisit the transfer market for another centre-forward before the summer ends. Is that enough strikers for you, Erik?
