Man Utd Nears Agreement to Sign Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United is on the verge of completing a major transfer, securing an agreement with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Dutch forward is eager to join the Red Devils.
Transfer Details
Joshua Zirkzee is set to bolster Manchester United’s attacking options for the upcoming season, potentially forming a dynamic partnership with Rasmus Hojlund. Despite interest from AC Milan, United has emerged as the frontrunner for Zirkzee’s signature, thanks in part to their willingness to meet his agent’s commission demands.
Contract and Financial Structure
According to Romano, Zirkzee has agreed to personal terms with Manchester United. The club is now contemplating how to finalize the transfer with Bologna. They can either activate his £34 million release clause in full or negotiate a structured payment plan spread over several years. Bologna, amidst a significant squad overhaul following the departure of manager Thiago Motta to Juventus, might be open to a restructured deal.
Bologna’s Situation
Bologna faces a challenging summer as they prepare for the exit of key players like Zirkzee and defender Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal is currently leading the race to sign Calafiori, adding to Bologna’s rebuilding woes.
Zirkzee’s Excitement
Romano has revealed on his live show that Zirkzee is enthusiastic about joining Manchester United, stating:
“Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United, the ‘Here we go’ is really imminent. The agreement between Man United and Zirkzee is done; it’s an agreement on the contract, on the salary, on the commission. So everything is agreed and done.
“What’s needed now is to decide whether Manchester United will go and pay the release clause, €40 million, in one solution.
“So on the financial point of view for Man United, it is better to negotiate with Bologna, or if they can negotiate and strike a new deal with Bologna, with a new structure of the deal, because that’s also a possibility, maybe to pay something like €42-43 million, but in three, four, five years, instead of paying everything in one solution immediately.
“There are two ways: trigger the clause or negotiate with Bologna. The two clubs are in contact. But in any case, Manchester United will proceed with the Joshua Zirkzee deal.
“Joshua Zirkzee can’t wait to be a new Manchester United player, I can guarantee that.”
Impact on Manchester United
Zirkzee’s addition to the squad is expected to bring a significant boost to Manchester United’s offensive capabilities. Under Erik ten Hag, the Dutch forward is anticipated to thrive, especially after his impressive season with Bologna where he scored 11 goals in Serie A, helping the team secure a historic Champions League qualification by finishing fifth.
Joshua Zirkzee’s 2023-24 Bologna Stats
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists | Minutes per Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 34 | 11 | 5 | 253 |
| Italy Cup | 3 | 1 | 2 | 168 |