Manchester United confirm £36.5m signing of Joshua Zirkzee, with Erik ten Hag's side paying MORE than his release clause to land their man - as Red Devils close in on Dutch team-mate
- Joshua Zirkzee underwent a medical on Friday before his transfer was confirmed
- The 23-year-old forward featured twice for Ronald Koeman's side at Euro 2024
- LISTEN: Join us as we debate the BIGGEST talking points on It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts
Manchester United have confirmed the £36.5million signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The 23-year-old Holland international has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford until June 2029 with the option to extend by another 12 months.
United decided not to trigger the £34.5m release fee in Zirkzee's contract in Italy, instead paying an additional £2m to spread the cost over three years.
He becomes United's first signing of the summer after playing for Holland at Euro 2024, and will provide competition and support for Rasmus Hojlund.
'Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United,' said Zirkzee who has gone on holiday after passing a medical.
Joshua Zirkzee has become Manchester United's first signing of the summer transfer window
Zirkzee has signed for the club in a £36.5million deal and bolsters United's attacking options
The 23-year-old Dutch international said he was looking forward to being part of the club's future
'I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I'm ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies. It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I'll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.'
United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth welcomed his first signing since arriving at Old Trafford, with United still in the market for two centre-backs and a defensive midfielder.
Ashworth said: 'Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer. We are delighted that we've managed to sign a player of Joshua's calibre this early in the transfer window.
'Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond.'
He arrived to complete his medical at Man Untied on Friday, before the club confirmed the transfer
Bologna striker Zirkzee (right) has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United
It comes following the arrival of Dutch coaches, Ruud van Nistelrooy (R) and Rene Hake (L), who were confirmed as Erik ten Hag 's assistants at the club
Kobbie Mainoo was seen smiling as he embraced Zirkzee on Wednesday, and fans think he was welcoming the Dutchman to Man United
The Dutch manager appears to be building a contingent of Dutch players and coaches at Old Trafford, with United also closing in on a deal to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
United have been conducting talks with the German outfit over a potential £43m transfer for the centre back, who failed to feature for the Netherlands during their Euro 2024 campaign.
Ten Hag had managed the defender during his time at Ajax, but Mail Sport understands that a deal could take some time to be reached, as both parties look to agree a fee for the 24-year-old.
Despite sustaining a knee ligament injury at the beginning of the season, De Ligt made 22 appearances for Bayern Munich last season and was a pivotal presence in Thomas Tuchel's defence.
De Ligt made 22 appearances for Bayern Munich last season and was a pivotal presence in Thomas Tuchel's defence
With United having been bereft of options in defence at times last season, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez all sustaining injuries, Ten Hag must add to his defensive stocks this summer.
With Varane having also left the club this summer, the experienced 24-year-old would be a fantastic addition to Ten Hag's squad.
