Manchester United’s recruitment process has been accelerated in the recent days. The club has welcomed Dan Ashworth as new sporting director who has already started doing his job. Red Devils are expecting to complete the signing of Matthijs De Ligt in the upcoming days. Recently United are linked heavily to sign another Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee who had a good season with Bologna is certain to leave this summer. Along with United, AC Milan are also interested in achieving the services of 23 year old forward. However Milan seem to be falling behind making Zirkzee’s move to Premier League a concrete possibility.
United close to achieve services of Zirkzee
Manchester United have been very busy in making the important changes. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completely changed the board and brought in Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox. The club revealed their plans to sign defender, striker, midfielder and a right winger. Joshua Zirkzee was on the club’s radar and now its reported by Corriere Di Bologna, that the Red Devils have convinced Zirkzee for a move to Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee enjoyed a beautiful 2023/24 season with Bologna. The Dutchman made 34 appearances in Serie A for the Italian side and scored 11 goals along with providing 4 assists. United are impressed with Zirkzee’s performances and want to add him to their attacking unit. Zirkzee has £34 million release clause in his current contract which the Red Devils are looking forward to trigger.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that Zirkzee will 99.9% leave Bologna. Along with United, AC Milan are interested in Dutchman. However, Milan are finding it hard to complete the deal giving United an advantage.
Without a doubt Zirkzee will be pleased to join the Premier League side as he has all the attribute to become successfull in England. Erik Ten Hag could use Zirkzee’s physicality and technicality to form a heavy attacking partnership with Rasmus Hojlund. Along with proper coaching and maturity, Zirkzee could be a key player for United in the upcoming years.
Joshua Zirkzee’s career
Joshua Zirkzee began his career at VV Hekelingen before moving to Spartaan ’20. He then moved to ADO Den Had followed by Feyenoord. Zirkzee finished his youth career at Bayern Munich in 2019.
In december 2019, Zirkzee made his professional senior team debut for Bayern Munich in a match against Tottenham Hotspur in UEFA Champions League. Few days later he made his Bundesliga debut and scored his first every professional goal. Zirkzee has made 19 appearances for Bayern and has scored 5 goals for them.
United target Zirkzee was sent on half season loan by Bayern in 2021. However the Dutchman didn’t receive many opportunities and only made 4 appearances for Parma. In 2021/22 season, Zirkzee was again sent on loan to Anderlecht. This turned out to be a very good season as the Dutchman scored 16 goals along with providing 9 assists in 38 appearances throughout the season.
Later on 30 August 2022, Zirkzee signed for Serie A side Bologna. He continued to gain attention from bigger clubs with his high quality performances. In 2023/24 season Zirkzee found the back of the net 11 times in Serie A along with providing 4 assists. United can look at Zirkzee as a forward who gives a lot more than just scoring goals.
United focusing on Dutchmen
Man United have been focusing a lot on Dutchmen. Firstly, their Dutch manager Erik Ten Hag is expecting addition of Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his coaching staff. The Club is also very close to sign Matthijs De Ligt as the new defender. This will soon be followed by arrival of dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee if Red Devils are able to close the deal with Bologna.
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