Manchester United are nearing the completion of a £33.7 million deal to sign Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Sources within the club indicate that United will pay a slight premium on Zirkzee’s £33.67 million release clause to secure an extended payment period for the 23-year-old.
The Premier League club is keen to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) regarding loss limits, acknowledging that their current financial situation requires careful and disciplined transfer dealings.
Long-serving forward Anthony Martial departed Old Trafford at the end of last season when his contract expired.
Martial’s extended absence due to injury, coupled with Marcus Rashford’s dip in form, left new signing Rasmus Hojlund to bear the striking burden.
Hojlund eventually lost his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, as the manager opted to use Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role.
Zirkzee joined Bayern Munich from Feyenoord in 2017 before transferring to Bologna for around £7.15 million five years later, following loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht.
He netted 12 goals in 37 appearances last season, helping Bologna secure a surprising spot in this season’s Champions League.
Zirkzee was named in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad but made only two substitute appearances for the Netherlands, totaling four minutes plus injury time.
He was brought on immediately after Ollie Watkins’ winning goal in Wednesday’s semi-final defeat by England.