Man Utd first summer signing 'leaked' by player's agency before club announcement

Manchester United’s move for Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee appears to have been prematurely confirmed by the player’s management agency. Erik ten Hag is closing in on his first signing of the summer transfer window.

Zirkzee has reportedly flown to England following the Netherlands’ elimination from Euro 2024. He was part of the team that was dramatically defeated by England on Wednesday night.

United are yet to formally confirm what is expected to be around a £40million deal with Bologna. However, Zirkzee’s agency appears to have revealed that their client has completed his move.

The Instagram story of agency Sports Invest, which is owned by Kia Joorabchian, teased a United shirt with a side-eye emoji earlier in the day. It is widely believed to be a hint that Zirkzee has signed a deal with the Premier League club.

Zirkzee, a former Bayern Munich attacker who scored 14 goals during two seasons in Italy, had a £34m release clause written into his Bologna contract. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that United are expected to pay slightly above that fee, with more beneficial payment terms over three years. The 23-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract.

Ten Hag has been keen for attacking reinforcements at Old Trafford. His forward line struggled for consistency last season.

United have enjoyed an extremely busy day. The additions of Rene Hake and former Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag’s coaching team were confirmed earlier in the day.

The coaching duo replace Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy, who have both departed United this summer. Ten Hag said of the appointments: “I think we did well. We achieved what we wanted to achieve, but we can’t sit still,” said Ten Hag.

“We want to go forward and we are so pleased to get Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake in, to bring some new dynamic, to bring some new initiative and innovation.”

Veteran defender Jonny Evans has also signed a new contract with United. The Red Devils academy graduate returned to the club last season and has penned a one-year extension. Evans told United’s website: “I am delighted to have extended my contract at Manchester United for another season.”

He continued: “Returning to the club last season was an honour. Representing the team on the pitch alongside fantastic team-mates under an excellent manager. Winning the FA Cup together was an unforgettable experience; I know we can challenge for more trophies in the season ahead.”