Joshua Zirkzee has vowed to make an immediate impact and take his game to “another level” after completing a £36.5 million move to Manchester United from Bologna.
The Netherlands striker, who underwent a medical on Friday, has signed a five-year contract to June 2029 with the option of another year and becomes the first signing of the Ineos era at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee, who was named Serie A’s Under-23 player of the year last season after scoring 11 goals and helping Bologna to Champions League qualification, had a €40m release clause in his contract that would have been payable in one instalment.
So United opted to pay an additional €2.5m premium in order to allow them to instead stagger payments over a three-year period and give them greater financial flexibility at a time when they are having to carefully manage their cash position due to the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability rules.
He is currently on holiday following his involvement with the Netherlands at Euro 2024, where the Dutch were beaten by England in the semi-finals on Wednesday, and is not expected to join United’s pre-season tour of the US at this stage.
“Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United,” Zirkzee, 23, said.
“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.
“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”
Zirkzee effectively replaces Anthony Martial, who was released last month, and boosts Erik ten Hag’s options in attack where United were chronically short last season.
United see Zirkzee as being able to play with Rasmus Hojlund as a deeper-lying forward, as a false nine, or as a lone striker.
With Mason Greenwood expected to join Marseille, United could yet move for a second striker this summer and are pondering a move for Brentford and England forward Ivan Toney. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also on their radar.
“Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer,” United sporting director Dan Ashworth said.
“We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window.
“Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond.
“Having already achieved a significant amount in his career, we will provide Joshua with the perfect platform to reach the next level under the guidance and support of Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff. We look forward to seeing Joshua thrive at Old Trafford over the coming years. ”
Meanwhile, United defender Willy Kambwala is set to join Villarreal for a projected €11.5 million (£9.9 million). The Spanish club are due to pay £4.7 million up front for the 19-year-old with a further £5.2 million in add ons.
United have also negotiated a buy-back option and a sell-on clause for the teenage centre-back as well as matching rights that give them the chance to match any bid for the player within a three-year period.
