Manchester United has reached a significant agreement to sign Dutch-Nigerian striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a fee of £35m (€42.5m).
The deal exceeds Zirkzee’s £33.6m (€40m) release clause, with the additional amount securing more favorable payment terms.
The 23-year-old striker has already arrived in Manchester to undergo a medical examination, paving the way for a five-year contract.
Zirkzee’s impressive performance at Bologna, scoring 12 goals and seven assists, contributed to the team’s qualification for the Champions League this season.
Born to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother, Zirkzee was previously considering representing Nigeria in international competitions.
However, a call from head coach Ronald Koeman led him to opt for the Netherlands instead.
Zirkzee’s football career began at Bayern Munich, followed by stints at Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in 2022.
His transfer to Manchester United comes as a suitable replacement for the departing Anthony Martial, whose contract expired at the end of last season.
Diaspora Digital Media had recently reported that Zirkzee had announced his intention to play for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national men’s football team.
