Manchester United’s pursuit of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee seems to have finally paid off. A report published by The Guardian claims that the Premier League side is “closing in” on signing Zirkzee from Italian side Bologna with terms with the Dutch international and his agent’s commission being agreed upon. The article went on to suggest that Manchester United are deliberating over whether to trigger Zirkzee’s €40 million (£34 million) release clause or hold talks over a higher fee that would enable payments in instalments. The 23-year-old is understood to have a release clause of £34 million ($43.5 million) and his contract is valid until August.
Joshua Zirkzee had an impressive season at Bologna netting 12 goals for the Italian side. Bologna had registered a fifth-place finish in the Serie A, thus reaching the Champions League for the first time in the modern era.
Joshua Zirkzee had started his professional career at Bayern Munich. He represented the Bavarian giants 17 times in three seasons. During his time at Bayern Munich, he was loaned out to Italian side Parma and Belgian outfit Anderlecht. He joined Bologna in August 2022. Having played for Bologna 58 times so far, he has found the back of the net on 14 occasions. In the international circuit, Zirkzee made his debut during his side’s Euro 2024 quarter-final fixture against Turkey. He had come on the pitch as a substitute in the 87th minute.
But Joshua Zirkzee is not the only player Manchester United are trying to rope in during the summer transfer window. The club is understood to be keen on bringing Zirkzee’s national teammate and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to Old Trafford.
The Guardian reported that Manchester United had placed a second bid of £45 million plus £5 million add-ons for Jarrad Branthwaite on Monday night. This development comes after Manchester United made an offer worth £35 million, along with £10 million add-ons for him last month.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, will be aiming to come up with a better series of performances next season. Despite enduring a poor Premier League campaign last time, when Manchester United registered their worst performance, Ten Hag recently extended his contract with the club until June 2026.
“I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined,” Erik ten Hag said.
Manchester United secured an eighth-placed finish in last season’s Premier League. In the Premier League era, their previous worst finish was seventh place under David Moyes during the 2013-14 season.
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