With strong performances at FC Bologna, Joshua Zirkzee has recently attracted the interest of numerous clubs. Now Manchester United have made their move – and FC Bayern are delighted with the windfall
Joshua Zirkzee is leaving Italy after just two years to play for Manchester United. The Red Devils made the official announcement on Sunday. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with an option for a further season and is the first new signing since Sir Jim Ratcliffe joined the English record champions as a financial backer.
Zirkzee had a clause with FC Bologna for a fixed transfer fee of 40 million euros. The problem: the sum was due immediately and in full, which would have placed a heavy burden on Man United’s cash flow. The payment of a higher transfer fee was therefore discussed, but on more favorable terms for the Red Devils.
However, Man United did not disclose any details about the exact terms of the deal. Meanwhile, Zirkzee’s former club Bayern Munich, who not only had a buy-back right but also a share in the event of a resale, can be pleased with the deal. This is 50 percent of the transfer fee – i.e. probably at least 20 million euros
At his presentation, Zirkzee was extremely happy about the transfer. “After discussions with the coach and the club’s management team, I know how exciting the future will be and I can’t wait to play a part in the success here,” the 23-year-old told the club’s media. He is a player “who has always given everything to win. I’m ready for the next challenge to take my career to the next level and win more trophies,” Zirkzee continued.
Zirkzee has had an incredible season. The attacker sensationally qualified for the Champions League with Bologna, scoring eleven times in Serie A, scoring several assists and even making it to the European Championships at the last minute. In the quarter-final against Turkey (2:1), the attacker even made his international debut for Holland.
The 1.93-metre Dutchman, who once made the leap into the professional game at FC Bayern and won the Champions League, the Bundesliga twice and the DFB Cup once with Munich, has been playing in Bologna since the summer of 2022 and has really blossomed there. Great understanding of the game paired with fine technique and cheeky moves – that aroused desire. He finished last season with eleven goals and five assists in 34 Serie A games
AC Milan and Juventus Turin were long considered the main suitors, but then Manchester United stepped in. The Red Devils threw their hat into the ring and quickly reached an agreement with the player and his advisors – and ultimately with Bologna.
Follows de Ligt to Zirkzee?
A compatriot could soon follow Zirkzee: ManUnited have been working for days to sign Matthijs de Ligt from FC Bayern. A transfer fee of around 50 million euros is being mooted – it would be the next windfall for FCB from Manchester. The central defender would once again work with coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, under whom he once made his breakthrough at Ajax Amsterdam