Joshua Zirkzee has completed his move to Manchester United from Bologna.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract, as reported by The Athletic on Tuesday. That deal will contain an option for a further 12 months.
Instead of triggering the €40million (£34m) release clause in Zirkzee’s contract, United will pay their Italian counterparts €42.5m, spreading the payments to Bologna over three years. Triggering the clause would have required an immediate full payment.
“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 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.”
United prioritised signing a forward this summer after Anthony Martial’s contract expired, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the sole recognised central striker in Erik ten Hag’s squad. The club sees Zirkzee as having a complementary skillset to Hojlund, enhancing their attacking options.
Zirkzee made two substitute appearances for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 (Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer,” United sporting director Dan Ashworth added. “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.”
Zirkzee joined Bayern Munich’s youth system from Feyenoord in 2017 and made 17 first-team appearances, scoring four goals.
He had loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht, where he scored 18 goals in the 2021-22 season, leading to a permanent move to Bologna. The Dutchman finished the 2023-24 season as Bologna’s top scorer with 11 goals and five assists, playing a key role in securing the club’s first Champions League group stage berth since 1963-64.
Zirkzee was also called up late to the Netherlands’ European Championship squad but made just two appearances at the Germany tournament as his side were defeated in the semi-finals against England.
United, meanwhile, are looking to add further signings to their squad this window after Zirkzee became their first summer arrival. They are in talks with Bayern Munich over a possible transfer for Matthijs de Ligt, while they have had two bids rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and are pursuing Lille defender Leny Yoro.
