JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer.
The Netherlands international has completed a £36.5million move to Old Trafford from Bologna.
Zirkzee, 23, has inked a five-year contract to become the first signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at the Theatre of Dreams.
An excerpt of a club statement read: “Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Joshua Zirkzee has joined the club, subject to registration.
“The Dutch forward has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.
“Zirkzee, the 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, was Bologna FC’s top goalscorer last season, helping his team qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
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“The 23-year-old Netherlands international earlier won six trophies during his time with Bayern Munich.”
Zirkzee, a graduate of Bayern Munich’s academy, is over the moon to have joined the Premier League giants.
He said: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.
“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.
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“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club.
“I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”
Zirkzee caught the eye of Erik Ten Hag and his scouts with 12 goals in 37 appearances last season.
His impressive final season in Serie A earned him a spot in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad.
He made his Oranje debut in their quarter-final victory over Turkey earlier this month.
Zirkzee picked up his second cap on Wednesday night in the Dutch’s last-gasp semi-final defeat to England.
United’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth is excited by what Zirzkee brings to the table.
He said: “Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer.
“We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window.
“Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United.
“His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond.
“Having already achieved a significant amount in his career, we will provide Joshua with the perfect platform to reach the next level under the guidance and support of Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff.
“We look forward to seeing Joshua thrive at Old Trafford over the coming years.”
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Red Devils fans hope will hope Zirkzee’s arrival will be the first of a busy transfer window.
Ten Hag made his desire to bring in more reinforcements crystal clear last season, which ended with the club tasting FA Cup final glory against their local rivals Manchester City.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
