Joshua Zirkzee is set to complete his transfer to Manchester United over the next 48 hours.
After Manchester United agreed a fee with Bologna, Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee will fly in to complete his medical and the associated formalities.
The deal will be Manchester United’s first incoming transfer of the summer, the first of many.
With the move nearing completion, let’s take a look a three reasons this is a great deal for Manchester United.
Manchester United set the tone with first deal
Ineos are running the ship at Manchester United, and like it or not, first impressions count a lot. Just ask John Murtough, who spent his first summer in charge haplessly chasing after Frenkie de Jong – and ended it by paying £85 million for Antony.
It was important for Ineos to get a deal agreed before the pre-season tour. Getting Zirkzee in is a good start, and several more may follow.
The fee agreed for Zirkzee is £36 million, a very astute figure for a proven Serie A performer who has the potential to be worth a lot more if he is a success in the Premier League.
If United had begun the summer by caving into Everton’s demands to pay £70 million for Jarrad Branthwaite, it would have set the wrong tone. New leaders, same United, paying over market value. Every other club would have continued to try and take advantage.
Ineos are trying to reset United’s reputation and become renowned as shrewd operators. This deal is a good start.
Striker depth situation addressed
Manchester United’s first transfer deal of the summer is an essential one. Joshua Zirkzee plays at a position where the team had to strengthen.
United needed a second striker last season, but could not get one in. With Anthony Martial’s high wages off the books, there were no excuses.
Zirkzee is a clever signing because he can play in multiple roles, meaning he can actually play in the same line-up as Rasmus Hojlund, instead of just as an alternative.
You could argue Manchester United still need a third striker. Ivan Toney has been linked. That might end up as a luxury signing later in the window. Right now Zirkzee was an essential.
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Zirkzee can bring out the best in his teammates
Joshua Zirkzee makes Manchester United’s attack more unpredictable. Last season this was a problem with just Rasmus Hojlund as an option.
Zirkzee can get the best out of Hojlund, dropping deep, and also allowing him a rest when he needs it.
He is a creative player, who links well with the midfield. He should create space for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford to run into.
Think how Rashford played some of his best football when Wout Weghorst was in the team. Zirkzee can play a similar role – while also scoring goals.
Having another creative player in the team is an added bonus for Bruno Fernandes too, taking a little pressure off the Portuguese maestro.
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