Manchester United have secured the signing of Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee in a deal worth £36.54m.
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option for an additional 12 months.
Zirkzee’s contract with Bologna included a €40m (£33.6m) release clause, but United chose to pay a slightly higher fee to spread the payment over three years, aiding their compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
This marks the first signing for the men’s side since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner by acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club last December.
Last season, Zirkzee scored 12 goals in 37 appearances, helping Bologna secure an unexpected spot in this season’s Champions League.
Originally joining Bayern Munich from Feyenoord in 2017, Zirkzee moved to Bologna for around £7.15m five years later after loan stints at Parma and Anderlecht.
Named in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad, Zirkzee made two substitute appearances for the Netherlands, who were defeated by England in the semi-finals.
Honored as the 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, Zirkzee expressed his excitement, calling it “a privilege to join such an iconic club” and stating he is “ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.”
Dan Ashworth, United’s new sporting director, emphasized the importance of bolstering the club’s forward lineup this summer.
He praised Zirkzee as “an outstanding talent ready to make an impact for Manchester United” and noted his “ability and desire to grow into a world-class player” as key reasons for his addition to the squad for the upcoming season.
United boss Erik ten Hag has faced a reduced attacking lineup following Anthony Martial’s departure in June after his contract expired.
Rasmus Hojlund, who joined for £72m from Atalanta in 2023, scored 16 goals in 43 appearances during his debut season but lost his starting spot by the end of the season.
Ten Hag opted to play Bruno Fernandes in a false-nine role during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in May.