Man Utd get '99.9%' Zirkzee confirmation

Carlo Garganese

2 Jul 2024 01:05 CDT
2 min read

Joshua Zirkzee, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Bologna transfer chief Giovanni Sartori has admitted that it is “99.9 per cent” likely that Man-Utd target Joshua Zirkzee will leave the club this summer.

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Zirkzee has a clause in his Bologna contract of €40 million so the Italian club are powerless to let him go.

Milan and Man Utd are fighting it out for the signature of the Dutch striker and Sartori says it is virtually impossible that Bologna could keep the player for next season.

What did Sartori say?

“He has a clause, so he will 99.9 per cent leave,” Sartori said.

“Who will substitute him? We've been thinking about it for months. It won't be easy but we will work to replace him, we have some names."

STATS

Joshua Zirkzee

F (CRL)

Bologna

Joshua Zirkzee

F (CRL)

Bologna

37

Games
12

Goals
7

Assists

Milan remain the favourites to sign Zirkzee this summer.

Zirkzee has agreed personal terms with Milan, with the Rossoneri agreeing to pay the €40m release clause in his contract.

However, the transfer has been held up by the commission being demanded by Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian.

Joorabchian is demanding €15m in order to complete Zirkzee’s transfer to Milan.

Out of principle, Milan are refusing to pay such a high amount and have been trying to get that price down.

So far they have been unsuccessful, which has allowed other clubs such as Man Utd to enter the race for Zirkzee.

In recent days, United have intensified their push for Zirkzee, who has yet to play a single minute at Euro 2024 for the Netherlands.

Zirkzee in 2023-24

Zirkzee led Bologna to a shock qualification into next season’s Champions League.

Likened to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he delivered 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions as Bologna finished fifth in Serie A.

He was the key man for a Bologna team who performed well above their weight under Thiago Motta to qualify for the Champions League.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who is expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.