Manchester United have reached a breakthrough in talks to acquire the services of Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.
Manchester United Set To Complete Deal For Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee And Matthijs de Ligt
Reports indicate that both players have spoken to Erik Ten Hag with Manchester United now ready to make the next move.
Additionally, Zirkzee’s salary and commission have also been approved, with that of Matthijs de Lift expected to be sorted soon.
Bologna have earmarked Joshua Zirkzee’s release clause at €40 million and it is valid until August 2024.
Initially, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had indicated that the striker had agreed on a contract with AC Milan, however, commissions appeared to be the stumbling block.
Manchester United look to have overtaken the Rossoneri in the race to sign the Dutchman and they appear set to get his signature.
Moreover, the Red Devils are growing in confidence about sealing the deal for Matthijs de Ligt, as the player has maintained that his priority is Manchester United.
The defender has discussed this with his agent Rafaela Pimenta and he has made it clear that only wants a move to the Old Trafford side.
Manchester United are understood to be negotiating with Bayern Munich to iron out fee/deal structure.
Paris Saint Germain are also said to be interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt, but the Dutchman doesn’t want a move to the capital of France.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee was a key member of Thiago Motta’s Bologna side that played swashbuckling football in the Serie A in the 2023/24 season.
His Position?
Zirkzee can play as a striker and second striker, and his combination play with his teammates in the attacking department is superb.
Joshua Zirkzee made 37 appearances for Bologna in the 2023/24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions.
Clubs He Has Played For
The Netherlands international has represented several clubs in his career, including; Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, Parma, and currently Bologna, who he joined for €8.5 million in the summer of 2022.
Joshua Zirkzee’s Market Value And Career Stats
Zirkzee’s market value is €50 million and he has made 126 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 36 goals and providing 23 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Joshua Zirkzee has made just 1 appearance for the Netherlands, scoring no goal and providing no assist.
His debut came in the 2024 European Championship, as he was introduced late on against Turkey in the quarter-finals.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt was in and out of the Bayern Munich squad last season, as manager Thomas Tuchel preferred other options to him.
Anyway, he managed to make 30 appearances for the Bavarian giants in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
Clubs He Has Played For And His Position
He has represented just three clubs in his senior career, namely; Ajax, Bayern Munich, and Juventus.
The 24-year-old functions primarily as a center-back, but he can also be utilized in the defensive midfield unit.
Matthijs de Ligt Career Stats
Matthijs de Ligt has made 307 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 26 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, the center-back has been capped 45 times by the Netherlands, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists.
His Market Value
Matthijs de Ligt’s market value is €65 million and he is a top-level defender although his injury record is quite suspect, however, Manchester United can hope that he accentuates his brilliance at Old Trafford.
