The start of the new season is fast approaching, and teams all over Europe are gearing up for the campaign by strengthening their squads. Most teams prefer doing their main business before the start of pre-season, which will begin once EURO 2024 ends and the grapevine is rife with rumours of various happenings and dealings. One such transfer deal that is gathering speed is that of young Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The 23-year-old forward is currently employed by Serie A club Bologna and was a key figure in their thrilling campaign last season, which saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Unsurprisingly, his performances have caught the eyes of some big European clubs, with English giants Manchester United and Italian club AC Milan sniffing around for a potential move.
Reports out of Italy suggest that Man United are currently leading the race for the Dutchman, with Rossoneri still debating internally on a move for the former Bayern Munich man.
Ashworth and Ten Hag convince Zirkzee of Man United project
On the outset, Zirkzee’s transfer looks easy for any club to complete, with the striker having a €40 million (£33 million) release clause in his contract; however, his agent, Kia Joorabchian, has demanded a commission, which may give rise to complications in the transfer. AC Milan’s pursuit of the forward has hit a roadblock, as their board has deemed the agent’s demands ‘excessive’, allowing Man United to start talks with the Bologna striker and convince him of the Old Trafford project.
The new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who was appointed by United just a few days ago, has already played a decisive role in persuading the striker, agreeing on a commission package for Zirkzee’s agent, and also guaranteeing him satisfactory playing time.
Zirkzee was initially said to be reluctant for a move to United, with the emergence of Rasmus Højlund, but Ashworth and United manager Erik ten Hag held direct talks with the Dutchman and were able to convince him to agree to a move to Old Trafford. The club has reportedly agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old striker and is all set to activate his release clause soon.
With Zirkzee involved with the national team at the Euros, a move could materialise as soon as the competition ends or the Dutch are eliminated.
Hailed as “complete striker,” Joshua Zirkzee offers flexibility
Hailed by many as a ‘complete striker’, Zirkzee has earned the praise of pundits and former players for his performances in the 23/24 season.
Highly-rated since his Bayern Munich days, the forward spent the second half of the 2020–21 season on loan at Parma before moving to Anderlecht on a season-long loan for the 2021/22 season. He finished as the club’s top scorer that season, scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists in 34 league starts. The Dutch striker then moved to Bologna on a permanent deal and quickly established himself as a starter, finishing the 23/24 season as their top goal scorer and assist provider with 12 goals and 7 assists in 37 games in all competitions.
His style of play is one of the many reasons he has attracted attention from Europe’s elite, with the forward capable of playing as a poacher, target man, or a false nine. He prefers playing a free role, and that is what makes him unpredictable, providing plenty of options to play different roles and adapt to different dynamics.
His ability to open up the body, receive the ball, and play one-touch passes has helped in the progression of transitions. His ability to stretch defences and run by acting as a channel makes him variably unique, and he can form a good partnership playing alongside Højlund, providing Erik ten Hag with another option for his team setup.
Zirkzee’s passing, dribbling, and ability to evade the press will be crucial in English football, where opposition defenders notoriously allow attackers very little time on the ball. At 6’4, he also has the height and physicality to excel against strong defenders.
Replacement for departing Martial?
Manchester United only have one recognised striker in the squad, with Anthony Martial departing the club following the expiration of his contract.
The United hierarchy has identified Joshua Zirkzee as the perfect replacement to fill the void and provide a number of options for the coach.
The Red Devils’ season starts on the 16th of August, and Erik ten Hag will hope to have the player in the squad primed and ready long before then.
The President of Bologna Football Club has stated that he is 99% sure Zirkzee will leave the club this summer, and based on all reports coming out of Italy, the forward is set to reject a move to AC Milan and move to Old Trafford to become their newest signing.
