Man Utd have signed Joshua Zirkzee in a £34m transfer (Image: Getty)
Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has revealed that the Red Devils have already met a ‘key aim’ for the summer by signing Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has arrived at Old Trafford from Serie A side Bologna.
Ashworth says that acquiring a new attacker was an important part of the Premier League outfit’s transfer plans. Zirkzee has been acquired in a reported £36.5million transfer.
The 23-year-old is United’s first signing of the summer transfer window. United are expected to be busy over the coming months.
Ashworth said: “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.”
Zirkzee, who can play across the front three, scored 12 goals for Bologna in two seasons and helped them qualify for the Champions League last term. He joined them from Bayern Munich in 2022, having come through the German club’s youth system.
Dan Ashworth has commented on Man Utd’s signing of Joshua Zirkzee (Image: Getty)
A member of the Netherlands squad which was beaten by England in the Euro 2024 semi-final, Zirkzee has two caps for his country. He spent time in the academies of Feyenoord and ADO Den Hag before joining Bayern aged 16 in 2017.
Zirkzee scored four goals in 17 appearances for Bayern’s first team before departing to Italy. The Bavarians are reported to have had a first refusal on his next move but have not taken up that option.
United will hope that Zirkzee’s addition will be the first of many this summer. INEOS are keen to oversee an overhaul of Ten Hag’s squad over the coming months. Defensive reinforcements are likely to follow.
Zirkzee said of his move: “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.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1923041/man-utd-dan-ashworth-joshua-zirkzee-transfer