Manchester United are close to finalizing a £33.7 million deal to acquire Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
According to sources within the club, United will pay a slight premium above Zirkzee’s £33.67 million release clause to secure an extended payment period for the 23-year-old player.
The Premier League club is committed to adhering to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) regarding loss limits and acknowledges the need for discipline in their transfer activities due to their current financial constraints.
Anthony Martial, a long-serving forward, departed Old Trafford at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract. Martial’s prolonged injury absence, combined with Marcus Rashford’s dip in form, left new signing Rasmus Hojlund to bear the striking responsibilities.
Hojlund was eventually dropped from Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, with Bruno Fernandes deployed in a false nine role.
Zirkzee’s career began at Bayern Munich after joining from Feyenoord in 2017. He later moved to Bologna for approximately £7.15 million following loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht.
In the previous season, Zirkzee netted 12 goals in 37 appearances, helping Bologna secure an unexpected spot in this season’s Champions League.
Zirkzee was included in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad but made only two substitute appearances for the Netherlands, totaling four minutes plus injury time. He came on immediately after Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal in Wednesday’s semi-final defeat to England.
