Manchester United has completed the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and the Netherlands for a fee of £36.54 million.
The 23-year-old forward has penned a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option for an additional year.
Zirkzee's transfer fee slightly exceeds his €40 million (£33.6m) release clause at Bologna, structured to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules over a three-year payment period.
Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 27.7% stake in December, Zirkzee marks United's first signing under the new ownership.
Last season, Zirkzee contributed 12 goals across 37 appearances for Bologna, aiding their unexpected qualification for the Champions League.
Initially joining Bayern Munich from Feyenoord in 2017, Zirkzee moved to Bologna for approximately £7.15 million after loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht.
Named the Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year for 2023/24, Zirkzee expressed excitement about joining United, aiming to elevate his career and pursue additional trophies.
United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, emphasized the importance of bolstering the forward lineup this summer, highlighting Zirkzee's potential impact and ambition to evolve into a top-tier player.
Erik ten Hag, United's manager, faces a reshaped attacking unit following Anthony Martial's departure in June after the expiration of his contract.
Rasmus Hojlund, acquired for £72 million from Atalanta in 2023, netted 16 goals in 43 appearances during his debut season but faced competition, notably from Bruno Fernandes, who played a pivotal role in United's FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
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