Joshua Zirkzee Set to Join Manchester United in £33.7M Transfer

Joshua Zirkzee is about to finalize a £33.7 million deal to sign with Manchester United from Bologna. United sources report that the club will pay a slight premium over the £33.67 million release clause to secure an extended payment period for the 23-year-old. This financial strategy helps United comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which regulate loss limits and require disciplined transfer dealings given the club’s current tight financial situation. Reinforcement in the striking department became urgent after long-serving forward Anthony Martial departed at the end of last season when his contract expired. Martial’s prolonged injury absence, along with Marcus Rashford’s dip in form, left new signing Rasmus Hojlund shouldering the striking responsibilities.

Eventually, Hojlund lost his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, with the manager opting to use Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role. Joshua Zirkzee began his career at Feyenoord before moving to Bayern Munich in 2017. After loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht, he joined Bologna for approximately £7.15 million five years later. Last season, Zirkzee scored 12 goals in 37 appearances, helping Bologna secure a surprise spot in this season’s Champions League. His club performance earned him a call-up to Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad for the Netherlands, where he made two substitute appearances totaling just four minutes plus injury time.

He entered the semi-final defeat by England immediately after Ollie Watkins scored the decisive goal. Manchester United expect Zirkzee’s signing to bolster their attacking options and provide much-needed depth. The fourth match is scheduled at Kia Oval on Saturday at 18:30 BST. With the transfer nearing completion, United fans eagerly await the impact Zirkzee will bring to the squad as they aim for success in the upcoming season.