Man Utd Nears £33.7m Agreement for Striker Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United is on the verge of finalizing a £33.7 million deal to acquire Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
According to sources within the club, United is prepared to pay slightly more than the £33.67 million release clause to secure an extended payment plan for the 23-year-old forward.
The Premier League club is committed to adhering to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerning loss limits and acknowledges that their current financial situation necessitates disciplined transfer activities.
Anthony Martial, a long-time forward for United, departed Old Trafford at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract. Martial's prolonged absence due to injury, coupled with Marcus Rashford's decline in form, left new signing Rasmus Hojlund with the primary striking responsibilities.
Hojlund eventually lost his spot in Erik ten Hag's starting lineup for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, with manager Ten Hag opting to use Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role.
Zirkzee, who began his professional journey with Bayern Munich after moving from Feyenoord in 2017, transferred to Bologna for approximately £7.15 million five years later, following loan stints with Parma and Anderlecht.
Last season, Zirkzee netted 12 goals in 37 appearances, contributing to Bologna's unexpected qualification for this season's Champions League.
Although named in Ronald Koeman's Euro 2024 squad, Zirkzee made only two substitute appearances for the Netherlands, totaling four minutes plus injury time. He was brought on immediately after Ollie Watkins' winner in Wednesday's semi-final defeat to England.
