Manchester United have completed the signing of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, marking a significant addition to their squad. The transfer, valued at £36.5 million, includes a contract lasting until June 2029, with an option for an additional year. This move follows Zirkzee’s impressive performances at Bologna, where he made a notable impact.
- Transfer Date: July 14, 2024
- Transfer Fee: £36.5 million ($46.4 million)
- Contract Duration: Until June 2029, with an option to extend for a further year
- Source: Manchester United Official Website
Transfer Details
Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer to Manchester United has been finalized, marking a significant step in his career. The Dutch forward joins the Premier League club for a fee of £36.5 million, with a contract lasting until June 2029 and an option for an additional year. This move comes after a successful spell at Bologna, where Zirkzee made a notable impact.
#Zirkzee saluta il #Bologna: “Ora la squadra si trova dove merita di stare, avrete sempre un posto speciale nel mio cuore”
https://t.co/aenytWgujs
pic.twitter.com— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio)
October 12, 2023
Player Profile: Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee, born on May 22, 2001, is a Dutch forward standing at 1.93 meters (6 ft 4 in). His career has seen him rise through the ranks to become a notable figure in European football.
- Full Name: Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee
- Date of Birth: May 22, 2001
- Nationality: Dutch
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Career Statistics
Zirkzee’s career statistics highlight his development and impact at various clubs:
- Bologna (2022-2024):
- Appearances: 62
- Goals: 28
- Assists: 10
- Achievements: 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, Bologna’s top goalscorer, helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League
- Bayern Munich (2019-2022):
- Appearances: 17
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 2
- Achievements: Won six trophies, including the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League
- Loan to Anderlecht (2021-2022):
- Appearances: 32
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 5
Previous Transfers
Zirkzee’s transfer history includes:
- From Bayern Munich to Bologna: €8.5 million in 2022
- Loan to Anderlecht: No transfer fee, loan deal for the 2021/22 season
Context of the Transfer
Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United is a landmark moment, especially as he becomes the first major signing under the new INEOS ownership. His outstanding performance at Bologna, which included helping his team qualify for the UEFA Champions League, made him a valuable asset. The transfer fee of £36.5 million underscores his potential and the expectations surrounding his future contributions to the team.
Upon signing, Zirkzee expressed his enthusiasm about joining Manchester United and his readiness to help the club achieve success. Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, emphasized Zirkzee’s exceptional talent and his potential to flourish under Erik ten Hag’s management.
Quotes
- Joshua Zirkzee: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United. I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.”
- Dan Ashworth (Manchester United Sporting Director): “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. Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United.”
Additional Context
Zirkzee’s transfer follows his impressive performance at Euro 2024, where the Netherlands reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by England. His stellar showings at both club and international levels have made him a highly sought-after player. His addition to Manchester United is expected to significantly bolster their attacking options.
For more details, visit the official announcement on the Manchester United website.
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