Young Dutch (of course 😜) striker Joshua Zirkzee became Man Utd's first signing of the transfer window as well as the club's first signing under new co-owners INEOS, which makes this move all the more monumental.
The 23-year-old put pen to paper and signed a 5-year deal keeping him at the club until June 2029 with the option to extend for a further year. The deal is a reported £36.5m according to Sky Sports.
The Dutchman won the Serie A under 23 player of the year and was Bologna's top scorer last season with 12 goals. He also had 7 assists in his 37 appearances.
Zirkzee has been around the block for a few years as he was part of Bayern Munich's 19/20 side that went on to win a sextuple under Hansi Flick.
The lad has a feel of winning. Makes him perfect for us. We need more players like that.
This is what our new signing had to say:
"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 straight away."
New Sporting Director Dan Ashworth also had his say on the signing:
"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. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond.
Having already achieved a significant amount in his career, we will provide Joshua with the perfect platform to reach the next level under the guidance and support of Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff. We look forward to seeing Joshua thrive at Old Trafford over the coming years."
Inspired words by the young striker who will be off for a few weeks having been part of the Netherlands squad that reached the Euros semifinal.
With the abilities he has and his age, the drive he possesses and under the guidance of someone like ten Hag, I believe that Zirkzee can be a very important player for us in the future.
As Sporting Director Ashworth said as well, United desperately needed another striker as all we have is Rasmus Hojlund. With the departure of Anthony Martial, there is no real backup in the squad. Zirkzee will not only provide that second option but also healthy competition for his new Danish team-mate.
Good competition is always great as it can help improve the team as well as strengthen the squad.
To work alongside one of the greatest Dutch strikers ever in Ruud van Nistelrooy, that would be such a great experience for Zirkzee and for the rest of the team.
INEOS and United do like to announce things at odd times though. Becoming new co-owners was announced on Christmas Eve and now Zirkzee on the afternoon of the Euros final? Pretty odd. I feel that these announcements need to happen at better times.
What do you think about the signing of Joshua Zirkzee? Good, or not?
Background Image: Joshua Zirkzee | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)