Manchester United are expected to trigger a £34 million release clause for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee. They remain the frontrunners in the race for the player’s signature, who has already given the green light to the move.
Manchester United Expected to Trigger £34 Million Release Clause for Joshua Zirkzee
Man Utd in pole position to land Joshua Zirkzee and are now expected to trigger £34m release clause. Ben Chilwell an option for Utd but nothing formal at the moment. Story with Simon Jones: https://t.co/w0HINF83du
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) July 8, 2024
Erik Ten Hag in Contact with Joshua Zirkzee
Sami Mokbel reports that Manchester United are in “pole position” to sign Zirkzee this summer, and they are expected to trigger the player’s £34 Million release clause. The player has already given his “green light“ and has been in “direct contact“ with his prospective manager, Erik ten Hag, ahead of the move.
It was believed that a new deal structure could have been proposed, but it now seems that the Red Devils are prepared to meet the release clause. They are the clear frontrunners in this race, as AC Milan, who were previously interested, confirmed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic that they were “no longer in talks“ and had moved on to other targets.
Read More: Marseille Make ‘Formal Bid’ For £21 Million Rated Manchester United Forward
Zirkzee would be the first signing under the new INEOS management, marking the start of their long-term project to rebuild the Manchester United first-team.
This isn’t the first major move they have made this summer; they have already finalized a new contract for Ten Hag as manager and have introduced some new faces to the backroom staff, including Rene Hake and club legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Following the conclusion of negotiations with Bologna, the English club is expected to move on to further incomings, with Mathijs De Ligt ranking high on the list of priorities.
Watch: The Domino Effect Ruining Football
What Could Zirkzee Bring to the Club?
Standing at 6’4, Zirkzee is a towering presence up front, and he is regarded as being “complete“ in his playstyle. By using his massive frame and athleticism, the 23-year-old has excelled in receiving the ball behind the defense and with his back to the goal, and he often prefers to drop deep to receive before turning and carrying the ball or distributing it to teammates.
His hold-up play, technical ability, and awareness of the pitch are regarded as some of his best attributes. With 12 goals and 6 assists in 37 appearances last season for Bologna, the Dutchman also earned a call-up to his national team for the 2024 Euros.
Read More: Manchester United in Talks to Sign £51 Million “Next Casemiro”
However, with Rasmus Hojlund already cementing his place in the first team as the striker, where could Zirkzee fit in at Manchester United? Potentially, Ten Hag could shift to a two-striker formation, with Zirkzee joining the Danish international.
Both forwards are tall and can use their bodies well to shield the ball – this duo would be a physical nightmare to deal with for defenders. The tactical possibilities with this dynamic are endless, and even without both on the pitch at the same time, both attackers are young and starter-quality, which will make for healthy competition for years to come.
