Manchester United announced the signing of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a £36.5 million transfer fee.
The 23-year-old striker has signed a five-year contract with Manchester United. The contract is expected to expire on June 30, 2029, with an option to extend the contract by 12 months.
Upon the completion of the five-year contract signed by Zirkzee, he said, “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. It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact right away.”
Manchester United failed to pay Zirkzee his buy-out clause of £34.5 million. Alternately, the club spent £2 million to spread the cost of signing him over three years.
The striker is the first Manchester United signing under the INEOS era, and he is expected to provide competition for Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United are still expecting more signings to be completed before the end of the transfer window.
The club are in the transfer market for a defensive midfielder and at least two centre backs ahead of next season.
Manchester United have been in talks with Bayern Munich to sign Netherlands defender Matthijs De Ligt. Erik Ten Hag managed the defender while he was in charge of Eredivisie giant Ajax.
Is Joshua Zirkzee Nigerian?
Zirkzee has a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother. His father’s name is Remco Zirkzee. Zirkzee’s mother’s name was not disclosed; however, it was revealed that his mother is from the Isoko tribe in Delta State.
Apart from being named Joshua, he has a middle name called Orobosa.
Joshua Zirkzee Stats
The Manchester United striker made 213 appearances, scoring 83 goals and creating 49 assists in all club competitions. He had received 18 yellow cards and four red cards so far in his career.
Out of the 83 goals scored, 14 were for Bologna, 18 for RSC Anderlecht, six for Bayern Munich II, 16 for Bayern Munich U19, 16 for Bayern Munich U17, four for Bayern Munich, eight for the Bayern Munich youth team, and a goal for Feyenoord U19.
He made his international debut for the Netherlands national team on July 6, 2024. Zirkzee proceeded to make two appearances without a goal for the country.
How old is Joshua Zirkzee?
The striker was born on May 22, 2001, in the city of Schiedam, Netherlands. He is currently 23 years old, with a height of 6 feet and 4 inches.
What do you expect from Joshua Zirkzee next season? Air your views in the comment section.
