Man Utd bring CHAOS to the transfer window with DOUBLE hijack

Robin Bairner

19 Jun 2024 07:37 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are seeking to make up for their late start in the transfer window by swooping for two players who have already agreed terms with other clubs.

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The lengthy season review conducted by the new Man Utd board, which has ultimately seen Erik ten Hag retain his place as manager at Old Trafford, means that the Red Devils are working a couple of weeks behind their rivals in the market.

Fighting from this position of disadvantage, Ten Hag’s side are now making moves for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and goalkeeper Josep Martinez, both of whom are well on their way to joining rival clubs.

STATS

Joshua Zirkzee

F (CRL)

Bologna

Joshua Zirkzee

F (CRL)

Bologna

37

Games
12

Goals
7

Assists

David Ornstein reported on Tuesday that Man Utd’s interest in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 striker is in an “advanced” position, with the Old Trafford outfit already speaking to the representatives of the 23-year-old.

Zirkzee has already agreed personal terms with AC Milan, yet now his switch to San Siro appears in the balance as Man Utd race to complete a deal.

The Dutchman has a release clause in his contract worth €40 million, which could make a deal easier for a player who netted 11 Serie A goals last season.

Zirkzee’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €21.3m, with this figure climbing by around €10m over the course of the last season.

Man Utd target goalkeeper Martinez

The other player Man Utd are seeking to whisk away from a rival club is Genoa goalkeeper Josep Martinez, Rudy Galetti reports.

The Spaniard, who previously turned out for RB Leipzig and Las Palmas, has already agreed terms with Inter over a switch to Milan in the summer, and while the Nerazzurri remain “well positioned” to get a deal over the line, they have not agreed terms with Genoa over a transfer.

STATS

Josep Martínez

Genoa

Josep Martínez

Genoa

36

Games
0

Goals
0

Assists

United are looking to swoop but are not as advanced on the 26-year-old goalkeeper as they are on Zirkzee. Instead, their interest appears to be at a more exploratory stage. They are only asking about the availability of the player currently.

Altay Bayindir is linked with a departure from Man Utd, having made only one appearance for the club following a €5m move from Fenerbahce last summer, hence the interest in a goalkeeping alternative.