Manchester United have reached an agreement with Bologna for the transfer of striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to a source from ESPN.
United have settled on a deal exceeding the €40 million ($43m) release clause in Zirkzee’s contract, allowing the fee to be paid over an extended period rather than upfront. A source informed ESPN that United agreed to pay a “modest premium” for the extended payment terms.
Zirkzee, who had interest from AC Milan, has agreed to personal terms and will join Old Trafford on a five-year contract following a medical examination. The 23-year-old, who netted 12 goals for Bologna last season, is poised to become United’s first signing of the summer.
In other news, Manchester United confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake have signed two-year contracts to join Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff. Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher will remain as first-team coaches, while Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have departed.
“I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and new energy to the staff,” Ten Hag stated. “Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Additionally, United announced on Thursday that midfielder Donny van de Beek has transferred to Girona. Sources told ESPN the deal is worth an initial €500k, potentially rising to €9.1m with add-ons.
