Joshua Zirkzee is set to become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer after reaching an agreement with Bologna.
The Netherlands international will be United’s inaugural signing of the INEOS era, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who announced the deal’s completion. United had shown strong interest in Zirkzee in recent weeks, and the transfer was finalized following his exit from Euro 2024 on Wednesday evening.
Last season, Zirkzee scored 12 goals and provided seven assists for Bologna, playing a crucial role in securing the club’s first Champions League qualification since the 1960s. According to a report from Manchester World, United prioritized adding another forward in the summer transfer window following Anthony Martial’s departure as a free agent.
Rasmus Højlund joined from Atalanta last summer and scored 16 goals during his debut campaign, raising questions about how the two strikers will work together. The report explained that Zirkzee will provide backup to Højlund, suggesting that the Dane will remain the primary choice up front.
Interestingly, Zirkzee is also viewed as a versatile player who can operate across the front line. This means he could play behind the striker or from one of the flanks. The Dutchman has previously mentioned that he does not see himself as a traditional number nine.
“I’m not a pure centre forward. I said a year ago that I liked playing with an attacking partner,” he explained to Corriere della Sera earlier this year. “But Motta transformed me into a 9 and a half. I’m not an Arnautovic type, I like to come forward after playing the ball and help the team. And score goals.”
Zirkzee will complete his medical at Carrington on Friday before an official announcement. He will likely join up with the squad in the United States after a holiday.
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