Man Utd finalise payment structure to seal Joshua Zirkzee transfer

Manchester United are on the verge of signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna without triggering his release clause, reports have claimed.

United are in search for a new striker following the departure of Anthony Martial and have identified Zirkzee as an option for the summer transfer window.

Though the Red Devils faced a stiff competition from AC Milan for his signature. The Rossoneri backed away from a deal due to disagreements over personal terms and agent commissions, leaving a clear pathway for United.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Zirkzee will become the first signing of the INEOS era at United after they reached an agreement with Bologna. Instead of triggering his £34m release clause, United will instead pay a little extra but across three years’ worth of instalments instead.

Zirkzee is set to sign a five-year contract with the option for a further year, and will provide needed depth up front for Erik ten Hag. The departure of Anthony Martial mean Rasmus Hojlund is currently the only senior and natural striker in United’s ranks.

The 23-year-old had contributed 11 goals towards Bologna’s successful quest to qualify for the Champions League, while he was a late call-up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.