Transfer News: Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United confirmed | Football news

Joshua Zirkzee joins Manchester United on a permanent deal after a stellar Serie A season with Bologna.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 14: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee poses after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on July 14, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

New Delhi: Joshua Zirkzee has completed his transfer from Bologna to Manchester United. The 23-year-old, as reported by The Athletic on Tuesday, has agreed to a five-year contract. There will be a one-year option included in this deal. Instead of terminating Zirkzee’s contract, United will offer their Italian counterparts a total of €42.5 million, which they will spread over three years in Bologna. Instant full payment would have been required to trigger supply.

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Ready to make his mark 🔥

Joshua Zirkzee: welcome to Manchester United ❤️#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2024

Joshua Zirkzee- “I’m ready for the next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies!” He went on to show his appreciation and claimed it was a privilege to be able to join a club of such stature and such a rich history. After Anthony Martial’s contract expired this summer, United made it a priority to sign a striker, making Rasmus Hojlund the only recognized centre-forward in Erik ten Hag’s squad. The team believes Zirkzee’s skill set complements Hojlund’s, expanding their options on offense.

Here’s a look at how Zirkzee might fit into United’s system.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 05: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC runs with the ball while under pressure from Milan Badelj of Genoa CFC during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on 05 January 2024 from Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

After successful loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht, where he scored eighteen goals in the 2021-2022 season, he was transferred permanently to Bologna. With 11 goals and five assists, the Dutchman finished the 2023-2024 season as Bologna’s top scorer. He was instrumental in their first place in the group stage of the 1963–64 Champions League.