Joshua · Zirkze has reportedly flown to England on Thursday night, ahead of his expected medical and transfer to Manchester United.
The Bologna striker will be Old Trafford's first signing of the summer following an agreement on a structured payment plan at the club. Manchester United will pay a release clause of just over £34 million for Zikze in order to be able to pay the Netherlands signing in instalments. He is expected to sign a long-term contract in Manchester until 2029, with the right to renew for a further 12 months.
The Athletic's David · Ornstein relayed during Zilkze's flight that his medical is expected on Friday before the transfer is officially completed.
Despite not initially being called up and being called up as a late-stage injury substitute, the 23-year-old has been playing for Netherlands at Euro 2024 in recent weeks. But their game ended on Wednesday night after a dramatic defeat to England in the semi-finals. Now retired, Zikze and United have wasted little time in arranging the final steps of the transfer process.
Once it's all over in Manchester, Zirkze could take a break before the pre-season season is officially reported. The team will fly to Los Angeles in the last week of July to begin a series of friendlies, which will be a good time for him to join his new team-mates.
Zirkze's arrival is a welcome boost for Manchester United, following Anthony Martial's release last month. The France has been battling injuries, meaning the stiff and growing Rasmus · Hojlund was the only true striker in the squad for much of the 2023/24 season.
Part of the Bologna side, who broke the status quo in the Series A last season to finish fifth and qualify for the Champions League, Zikze will add depth and variety to United's attack. While similar in size to Hojlund, the 23-year-old is more typically working in the left medial passage or in a slightly deeper creative role, which has led to comparisons with Harry· Kane and Ronaldinho.
Manchester United continue to search for at least one new centre-back in the market, with Matisse · De Ligt, Jarrad · Branswaite and Lenny · Yoro all big targets.