REVEALED: Man Utd were given DISCOUNT on Zirkzee transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Jul 2024 19:28 BST
3 min read

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

Manchester United received a €5 million discount from Joshua Zirkzee's agent, according to Italian media.

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The Red Devils finally have their new striker. Erik ten Hag had been desperate to add another option to his frontline for months and now he has his man. Man Utd have signed Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, with only the official announcement of the deal still missing.

Ten Hag and company moved quickly to swoop for the Dutchman after a move to AC Milan, which by all accounts was pretty much done, stalled and ultimately collapsed.

Man Utd swiftly agreed terms with the 23-year-old and, rather than paying his €40 million release clause, entered into formal negotiations with Bologna to get better payment terms. Ultimately, the Premier League giants agreed to pay slightly more - €42.5m - but over three years rather than in one instalment.

50 per cent of the fee received by Bologna is owed to Bayern Munich. However, despite Man Utd paying more for Zirkzee, they did actually get a discount - from his agent.

Man Utd's agent discount

The reason why Zirkzee's move to Milan fell through despite the player having agreed personal terms and the Rossoneri having indicated to Bologna that they would pay his release clause is because of his agent Kia Kia Joorabchian.

It was widely reported that Zirkzee's representative had endangered and ultimately ruined the transfer by asking for an excessive commission. The figure published at the time was a whopping €15m.

Now, Calciomercato has revealed that Man Utd did not have to pay that sum. Instead, the Red Devils seemingly received a €5m discount from Joorabchian, 'only' having to shell out €10m in agent fees. Zirkzee has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option for a further season.