Joshua Zirkzee to join Manchester United for €42.5m from Bologna after breakout season

Joshua Zirkzee is all set to join Manchester United in the coming days, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. He will become the first signing for the Red Devils under their new owners, INEOS, who will pay a fee above his €40 million release clause.

The former Bayern Munich striker has been one of the most in-demand youngsters this summer. AC Milan were keen on signing him, but the massive agent fees ruled out a potential transfer for them, prompting a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata instead.

Manchester United finalise Joshua Zirkzee transfer

🚨🇳🇱 More details on Zirkzee deal done for Manchester United.

🩺 Medical tests will take place on Friday, then face to face meeting with Erik ten Hag.

📑 Contract until June 2029 + option for further year.

🤝🏻 €42.5m fee paid over three years instead of €40m in one solution. pic.twitter.com/FCciIOIuI9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2024

United will pay a fee worth €42.5 million over three years instead of triggering his release clause in one go. The player has accepted a contract till 2029 with the option for one more season, and is expected to complete his medical on Friday.

This past season, he scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 games across all competitions, in what is a great return for a young striker.

Now, Joshua Zirkzee makes the step up to one of the top clubs in England, and will provide an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund in the striker department up front.

United are also keen to reinforce their defence and are trying to wrap up the signing of Matthijs De Ligt from Bayern Munich as soon as possible. The former Ajax captain has been offered a five-year deal and the two clubs are currently in negotiations to get it over the line.