Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United confirmed, Dan Ashworth hails ‘world class’ potential talent

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Manchester United’s first summer signing has now been confirmed with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee competing his move to Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag came into this summer transfer window wanting to sign another striker.

Rasmus Hojlund has shown potential in his first year at Old Trafford but Anthony Martial’s departure left United with a hole.

Speculation has surrounded a move for Joshua Zirkzee for weeks now and Manchester United have secured the Dutchman.

United have confirmed the signing of Zirkzee, handing him a five-year contract with the option of a sixth.

Zirkzee had a £34million release clause in his Bologna contract but United have chosen to pay £36million, paying more and spreading the payment over instalments rather than in one go.

• READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd signing who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho

Dan Ashworth on Manchester United signing Zirkzee

Zirkzee arrives to support Hojlund in the final third, making that same move from Serie A to the Premier League.

The striker was knocked out of Euro 2024 by England just days, even sharing a moment with Kobbie Mainoo after the final whistle, but has now completed his move.

United sporting director Dan Ashworth – who only recently completed his move from Newcastle United – has now reacted the deal.

Ashworth admitted that finding a new forward this summer was a ‘key aim’ for United and he loves that the deal to sign Zirkzee has been done early.

Ashworth feels that Zirkzee is a simply ‘outstanding’ talent who can kick on to become a ‘world-class player’ during his time at United.

United is the ‘perfect platform’ for Zirkzee to kick on and get even better according to Ashworth, who is looking forward to seeing his development at Old Trafford.

“Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer. We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window,” said Ashworth.

“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.

“Having already achieved a significant amount in his career, we will provide Joshua with the perfect platform to reach the next level under the guidance and support of Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff. We look forward to seeing Joshua thrive at Old Trafford over the coming years.”

• READ MORE: Who is Dan Ashworth? Meet the man who could be set to transform Manchester United

Zirkzee factfile

• Zirkzee hails from Schiedam in the Netherlands and was born to a Nigerian mother and Dutch father, making him eligible for both nations.
• A huge presence at 6ft 4in tall, Zirkzee spent time in the ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord ranks as a teenager.
• Bayern Munich pounced for Zirkzee in 2017, but he only made 17 first-team appearances in Germany, scoring four goals.
• A loan to Parma in 2020 didn’t work out for Zirkzee but he dazzled under Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, hitting 18 goals in 47 games during the 2021-22 campaign.
• Zirkzee was sold to Bologna in 2022 and he made a slow start, scoring just twice in his first season at the club.
• The Dutchman improved last season though, hitting 11 goals in 34 Serie A games to help Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
• Zirkzee has only picked up two Netherlands caps – both at Euro 2024 – but has been a regular across various youth levels.