Manchester United Sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in £36.54m Deal.
Manchester United have bolstered their attacking options by signing Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee in a deal worth £36.54 million. The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option to extend for an additional 12 months.
Zirkzee’s contract at Bologna included a €40 million (£33.6 million) release clause, but United opted to agree on a slightly increased fee to be paid over three years, aiding compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
This marks the first signing for United’s men’s team since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club last December. Zirkzee impressed last season, netting 12 goals in 37 appearances, helping Bologna secure an unexpected spot in this season’s Champions League.
Zirkzee began his professional career at Bayern Munich after joining from Feyenoord in 2017. He moved to Bologna for around £7.15 million in 2022, following loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht. Despite being part of Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad, he made only two substitute appearances as the Netherlands were defeated by England in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on his move, Zirkzee, who was named the 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, expressed his excitement: “It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I am ready for this next challenge, to take my career to another level and win more trophies.”
United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, emphasised the importance of strengthening the club’s forward line. He praised Zirkzee as “an outstanding talent ready to make an impact for Manchester United,” and highlighted the player’s potential to grow into a world-class forward.
United manager Erik ten Hag has faced challenges in his attacking lineup, especially following the departure of Anthony Martial in June after his contract expired. Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million signing from Atalanta in 2023, scored 16 goals in 43 appearances during his debut season but lost his starting place towards the end. Ten Hag opted for Bruno Fernandes in a false-nine role during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in May.
With Zirkzee’s arrival, United fans are eager to see how the new addition will enhance their team’s prospects for the upcoming season and beyond.
