Manchester United sign Bologna striker Zirkzee for £36.5 million. The rumors and the wait are finally over ! Is a done 👍👍👍👍👍 deal 🤝😄🤝🤝🤝🤝
Manchester United have secured the services of Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee for a fee of £36.54 million.
The 23-year-old forward has committed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option to extend for an additional year.
Although Zirkzee’s release clause at Bologna was set at 40 million euros (£33.6 million), Manchester United agreed to a slightly higher amount to spread the payment over three years, complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
This marks the first acquisition for United’s men’s team since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner by acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club last December.
Zirkzee found the net 12 times in 37 appearances last season, helping Bologna secure an unexpected place in this season’s Champions League.
After joining Bayern Munich from Feyenoord in 2017, Zirkzee moved to Bologna for approximately £7.15 million following loan stints at Parma and Anderlecht.
Selected for Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad, he made two substitute appearances as the Netherlands fell to England in the semi-finals.
Recognized as the 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, Zirkzee expressed his excitement, stating it was “a privilege to join such an iconic club” and that he is “ready for this next challenge, to elevate my career and win more trophies.” Dan Ashworth, United’s new sporting director, highlighted the importance of bolstering the forward lineup this summer.
Ashworth praised Zirkzee as “an exceptional talent ready to make an impact for Manchester United,” noting his “ability and ambition to develop into a world-class player” will be a valuable addition to the squad for the upcoming season and beyond.
United’s manager Erik ten Hag has faced challenges with his attacking lineup following Anthony Martial’s departure in June after his contract ended.
Rasmus Hojlund, who joined from Atalanta for £72 million in 2023, scored 16 goals in 43 games during his first season but lost his starting position by season’s end. Ten Hag opted to use Bruno Fernandes as a false-nine in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in May.
