Man Utd's plan for Joshua Zirkzee revealed

Suraj Radia

• 12 Jul 2024 09:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United could target another forward even after the signing of Joshua Zirkzee is confirmed, with the Bologna striker set for a medical in the next 24 hours.

United have struck a deal with Bologna that will see Erik ten Hag’s side pay more than the player’s €40 million release clause in order to structure the payments over three years.

It is understood that United will pay around €42.5m for Zirkzee, with the 23-year-old putting pen-to-paper on a deal until 2029, with an option to extend for a further 12 months.

READ MORE: Fans spot Zirkzee to Man Utd hint as England beat Netherlands at Euro 2024

United had made the addition of a forward a priority this summer after the departure of Anthony Martial on a free transfer, with Zirkzee arriving to provide depth and competition to Rasmus Hojlund.

However, United are thought to also see Zirkzee as a versatile player capable of playing across the frontline, indicating that Ten Hag could end up fielding both him and Hojlund together on occasion.

Consequently, with Mason Greenwood set to be sold for an initial €27m, United have not ruled out the possibility of bringing in another striker this summer, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney being one player the club are considering.

How Zirkzee’s versatility allows United to compliment Hojlund in attack

Although Zirkzee is a predominately a striker and has little experience outside the number nine role, the Dutchman’s playstyle gives United confidence that he could offer flexibility in attack.

Zirkzee’s 6 foot 4 inch stature perhaps makes him an ideal centre forward but the ex-Bayern Munich youngster is renowned for his technical ability on the ball as well as his playmaking and dribbling capability.

READ MORE: 10 players who could join Man Utd this summer

With four assists to go alongside his 11 goals in Serie A last season, Zirkzee is seen as someone who can compliment Hojlund with his build-up play, with the Dane preferring to be a focal point in attack.

Compared

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Bologna

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Bologna

VS

R. Højlund

F (C)

Man Utd

R. Højlund

F (C)

Man Utd

2023/2024

Season Statistics

2023/2024

37	Appearances	43
12	Goals	16
7	Assists	2
47	Key Passes	38
962	Passes	538
30	Tackles	15
4	Interceptions	2
91	Shots Total	57

However, fielding both players at the same time would leave United without a proven senior striker in reserve, indicating the reasoning behind the club’s consideration of another forward.

Toney, along with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, could be considered due to their contracts both expiring next summer, indicating that they could be available for a reasonable transfer fee towards the end of the window.