Manchester United’s first summer signing is now on board and one player appears to be heading out just as Joshua Zirkzee arrives.
It’s not often you see a signing announced on a Sunday, but Manchester United have done just that.
United have announced the arrival of striker Joshua Zirzkee with the Dutchman completing his much-anticipated move from Bologna.
United agreed to pay £36million – just over his £34million release clause – in order to spread the payments out rather than cough up the cash in one go.
Zirkzee comes in to offer competition for Rasmus Hojlund in attack with the pair now looking to take the next steps in their development together.
That is an encouraging first summer signing for United and whilst other deals are being worked on, United do need to offload some players too.
Willy Kambwala medical done
United may well let Victor Lindelof leave the club this summer with Jose Mourinho keen on taking him to Fenerbahce.
Fans would certainly have expected the Swede to go before Willy Kambwala, but it’s the Frenchman who will be moving on.
The 19-year-old managed eight Premier League appearances last season and stepped up when required during defensive injury woes.
Kambwala has allegedly turned down a new deal at United though, and rather than risk seeing him walk away next summer, United are ready to cash in now.
Fabrizio Romano now reports that Kambwala has completed his medical with La Liga side Villarreal ahead of a move to Spain.
It’s stated that the deal is worth around €10million (£8.6million) if all add-ons are met, whilst United also have two key clauses.
United have inserted buy-back and sell-on clauses into the deal, meaning United will have a stake in Kambwala’s future at Villarreal.
The move means that Kambwala will now join forces with former United defender Eric Bailly, who currently plays for Villarreal.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Kambwala talks with Erik ten Hag
The news of Kambwala’s exit has divided opinion, with some fans disappointed to see him go after his performances last term.
United have decided to take the cash before Kambwala walks away though, and it seems that Erik ten Hag didn’t have big plans for him anyway.
The Manchester Evening News claim that Kambwala was initially reluctant to leave when Villarreal came calling.
However, Ten Hag allegedly told Kambwala that he would be down the pecking order at United next season.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans will be returning next season whilst United continue to chase the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Jarrad Branthwaite.
United are unlikely to land all three but Ten Hag clearly feels that he will have enough depth at centre back once the transfer window ends.
That means Kambwala can go, bringing in some cash right now to help United’s summer business, but there will be one eye on his development in Spain.
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