Manchester United signs Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for €42.5m
- Manchester United has secured the signing of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a reported €42.5 million.
- Zirkzee is the first signing of the summer for Manchester United.
- The deal marks the beginning of a new era for the club under Ineos ownership.
In a significant move, Manchester United has secured the signing of Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a deal valued at around £36.5 million ($46.3 million). The 23-year-old has inked a five-year contract with the Premier League club, with the possibility of extending it by another year. United reportedly chose to pay slightly more than Zirkzee's release clause to spread the fee over three years, aiding in compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules. Zirkzee's impressive performance in Serie A last season, where he scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Bologna, helped the team secure an unexpected qualification for the Champions League. The Dutch forward, who was also part of the Netherlands squad that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals, expressed his eagerness for the new challenge at Old Trafford. United's Dutch manager, Erik ten Hag, played a pivotal role in convincing Zirkzee to join the club, emphasizing the exciting future that lies ahead. With Zirkzee's arrival, he will be vying for a spot in United's attacking lineup alongside players like Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony in the upcoming season. The club's decision to bolster their attacking options comes after a season where they struggled to score goals, finishing eighth in the league. United's management expressed their delight in securing Zirkzee early in the transfer window, highlighting his talent and potential to become a key player for the team under the guidance of Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff. The signing of Joshua Zirkzee marks Manchester United's first major move in the summer transfer window under the Ineos era. Zirkzee's successful stint at Bologna, where he emerged as the top scorer and helped the team qualify for the Champions League, has raised expectations for his impact at Old Trafford. As the club looks forward to the upcoming season and beyond, Zirkzee's dedication to winning and ambition to elevate his career to new heights align with United's vision of achieving success and building a competitive squad for the future.