Joshua Zirkzee, a striker from the Netherlands, joined Manchester United on Sunday for a reported £36.5 million ($46.3 million) from Bologna.
Zirkzee agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club that includes the option of a further 12 months.
In order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, United reportedly decided to pay a little bit more than Zirkzee’s £33.6 million release clause and spread the cost over three years.
The 23-year-old rose to prominence in Serie A last season as he helped Bologna unexpectedly qualify for the Champions League.
He scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Bologna last term and was also part of the Netherlands squad that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals before losing to England.
United’s Dutch boss Erik ten Hag spoke to Zirkzee to convince his compatriot to make the move to Old Trafford.
“I am ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies,” Zirkzee, who began his senior career with Bayern Munich and had loan stints with Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna, said. “I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning.”
“After speaking with the manager and the club’s executives, I am aware of how exciting the future holds for this place, and I am eager to contribute to Manchester United’s success.
“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”
In the upcoming campaign, Zirkzee will face competition from Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund for a spot in United’s attack.
