Manchester United have agreed a €42 million (£35.3 million) deal with Bologna for the transfer of forward Joshua Zirkzee. The 23-year-old Dutchman is set to become the first signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Old Trafford. The player’s personal terms and agent’s fee have been agreed, so his arrival may be confirmed soon.
The transfer fee is more than Zirkzee’s €40 million release clause, but United can pay the €42 million over three years, giving them more flexibility in the market. Manager Erik ten Hag wants Zirkzee to provide competition for Rasmus Højlund at the center-forward position. Zirkzee, who is 6 feet 3 inches tall, began his professional career at Bayern Munich and has also had loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in 2022.
Elsewhere, Donny van de Beek has left United to join Girona on a three-year contract for an initial €500,000, with the deal potentially rising to €9.1 million plus a sell-on fee. The Dutch midfielder never established himself at United, scoring just two goals in 62 appearances since joining from Ajax in 2020.
Additionally, United have made changes to their coaching staff, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake joining as assistant managers until 2026, while Benni McCarthy and Mitchell van der Gaag have departed. Ten Hag stated that the changes are part of a refresh to build on the team’s achievements and push to the next level.
🚨🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United, here we go!
Man United will NOT trigger the clause but pay slightly above €40m with better payment terms, in three years.
Zirkzee signs until June 2029 with option for further season.
First signing of INEOS new era. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/clTwvvgTC8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2024
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