Manchester United are looking into a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, after a superb season in Serie A.
Bologna have admitted Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave the club, amid strong interest from Manchester United.
Zirkzee is both a goalscorer and a facilitator, the type of player who makes those around him better, and currently sits as a priority option for the Red Devils.
He has a release clause in his current contract, and United are weighing up whether to pay up and move ahead for the Dutchman, who is currently focused on Euro 2024.
Joshua Zirkzee was tipped for the top
Joshua Zirkzee began his career in the Netherlands and came close to signing for Everton as a teenager, even going on trial with the Toffees.
They were unable to strike a deal and Zirkzee signed with Bayern Munich. It was in Germany where he made his name.
Zirkzee made his Bayern debut at just 18 under Hansi Flick, back in 2019, and he made an instant impact by scoring in a 3-1 win.
Following this, former Dutch striker Youri Mulder made a prediction about Zirkzee, tipping him for a long and successful career.
He is quoted via Bundesliga.com: “This guy has a massive career ahead of him, he’s a serious talent.
“He’s got a great build for a striker, a real nose for goal and he can really play. He’s just a fantastic footballer.”
Comparing Zirkzee to himself, he added: “I was more of a battering ram – Zirkzee is far better technically. He’s calm and composed, and mentally looks very strong. I have the feeling nothing phases him.”
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Manchester United move can propel Zirkzee
Zirkzee left Bayern Munich in pursuit of regular playing time. He had grown impatient at playing second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski.
In Serie A he has made a name for himself, where he has been labelled ‘more technical than Ibrahimovic’.
Still only 22, Zirkzee still has a lot of potential to further improve, and can fulfil Mulder’s prediction to enjoy a ‘massive career’.
Erik ten Hag has a track record of improving strikers, doing good work with Rasmus Hojlund last season, while turning Sebastien Haller into a regular scorer in the Eredivisie.
Once the Dutch involvement at the Euros is over, a move for Zirkzee and teammate Matthijs de Ligt could swiftly move forward.
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