Manchester United are on the brink of finalizing a £33.7 million agreement to acquire Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Sources within the club indicate that United will pay a slight premium over Zirkzee's £33.67 million release clause to secure an extended payment period for the 23-year-old forward.
The Premier League club is focused on adhering to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) regarding loss limits and recognizes the need for disciplined transfer dealings in light of their current financial situation.
Anthony Martial, a long-serving forward for United, departed Old Trafford at the end of last season when his contract expired.
Martial’s prolonged injury absence, coupled with Marcus Rashford’s decline in form, left new signing Rasmus Hojlund bearing the main striking responsibilities.
Hojlund ultimately lost his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, with Bruno Fernandes deployed in a false nine role instead.
Zirkzee's career began at Bayern Munich after moving from Feyenoord in 2017. He transferred to Bologna for approximately £7.15 million five years later, following loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht.
Last season, Zirkzee netted 12 goals in 37 appearances, helping Bologna secure an unexpected spot in this season’s Champions League.
Named in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad, Zirkzee made two substitute appearances for the Netherlands, totaling four minutes plus injury time. He was brought on in Wednesday’s semi-final defeat to England immediately after Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal.
