Joshua Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United has moved a step closer, with the Bologna forward arriving in the city on Thursday night for a medical on Friday.
Instead of reaching his £34 million release clause, the Red Devils will pay £35.8 million for the Netherlands international, who was seen leaving Manchester Airport in a car on Thursday night.
Despite spending £1.8 million more than necessary, it allows Old Trafford to pay the amount over three years rather than in one flat payment.
Manchester United are in talks to sign Zirkzee and Matthijs De Ligt after the Netherlands’ exit from Euro 2024.
Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, hopes to finalize deals for both of his countrymen as he begins his third season at Old Trafford.
He is expected to join in a £35.8 million transfer from Bologna, with United paying the price over three years.
Zirkzee will have a medical with Manchester United on Friday as he closes in on a move
He is likely to join in a £35.8 million transfer from Bologna—with United paying the price over three years.
The Red Devils are close to signing Bayern Munich defender Matthias De Ligt.
Zirkzee scored 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances for Bologna, helping them qualify for the Champions League.
The 23-year-old has emerged as a prominent target for United this summer, with talks continuing for several weeks after impressing in Italy last season.
Zirkzee came off the bench in injury time against England following Ollie Watkins’ stunning late goal, and he made his international debut in the quarter-final triumph over Turkey.
He is regarded as possessing the ideal skill set in attack to compliment Rasmus Hojlund, 21, who joined the club from Atalanta for £72 million last summer.
De Ligt, who Ten Hag oversaw at Ajax, is in talks with Bayern Munich for a prospective £43 million transfer. However, the transaction may not be completed until next week due to cost negotiations.
De Ligt, who did not play a single minute for the Dutch at Euro 2024, is said to want to rejoin with Ten Hag.