Man Utd ‘ALMOST THERE’ with €40m signing – Fabrizio Romano

Robin Bairner

8 Jul 2024 06:41 BST
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano, transfer news — © IMAGO

Manchester United are on the brink of completing the first signing of the Ineos era, Fabrizio Romano reports, with the Old Trafford club “almost there” in a transfer for Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna.

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Man Utd have come from behind in the race to secure the Netherlands international striker, with AC Milan given a head start to sign the 23-year-old.

Although the Serie A giants had terms agreed with Zirkzee, a fallout over the agent’s compensation fee opened the door for Erik ten Hag’s side to make a move.

Current ETV

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Bologna

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Bologna

ETV Range

€15.5M - €25.8M

Now Romano says a deal is close, although there is not yet an agreement in place between Man Utd and Bologna.

“Manchester United and Joshua Zirkzee, almost there,” the football transfer news reporter stated on X.

“Man Utd have now informed Bologna about agreement reached with Zirkzee over personal terms. It’s all done also with the player’s agent.

“Man Utd are talking to Bologna about new deal structure… or they can trigger €40m release clause.

“The clubs will decide shortly which way they prefer to complete the deal.

“Man Utd can trigger the player’s €40m clause to be paid in one solution or negotiate new terms, as Bologna owe 50% of the deal to Bayern.”

Zirkzee has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €20.6m, with this figure having grown from €15m last July.

Bayern big winners

Zirkzee’s move to Man Utd is set to fuel Bayern Munich’s transfer market, as Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland confirmed.

“Manchester United are pushing to finalise the deal with Joshua Zirkzee now,” he reported prior to Romano’s revelations.

“Bayern are also informed about the progressing negotiations between Man Utd and Bologna.

“In August 2022, FCB secured a 50% sell-on clause. It’s still valid. Therefore, Bayern will receive €20m as soon as Man Utd trigger the €40m release clause.

“It’s crucial revenue for Bayern’s next steps in the transfer market.”