Ferguson HEAPS praise on incoming Man Utd star Zirkzee

Carlo Garganese

10 Jul 2024 07:30 CDT
3 min read

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

Lewis Ferguson has heaped praise on his Bologna teammate Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the Dutch striker’s imminent transfer to Manchester United.

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Zirkzee is expected to complete his transfer to Man Utd this week, with the Red Devils paying the €40 million clause in the attacker’s Bologna contract.

The forward had been expected to join AC Milan originally, but they have now pulled out of the race.

The 23-year-old was one of the standout players in Serie A this past season, also earning a place in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad - although only as a replacement after injuries.

Zirkzee’s Bologna teammate - Scottish midfielder Ferguson - believes that his friend will be a success at his next club.

What did Ferguson say?

"I’m good friends with Josh. He had an amazing season and it was a wee bit of a surprise he wasn’t in the original Dutch squad,” Ferguson told the Daily Mail.

"He played up front for us. He was excellent, one of our best performers.

"Milan are apparently interested in signing him, Man Utd as well. He’ll be a good signing wherever he goes."

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.

Zirkzee is next in action on Wednesday as Netherlands play England in the Euro 2024 semi-final, although he is unlikely to start the match.