Looking to improve from what was a disappointing 2023/24 season, Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer, agreeing on a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United paid more than the €40 million release clause. The reason for the higher release clause is the trade-off that instead of having to pay the clause in one payment, they can the agreed €42.5 million fee over a three-year period.
🚨🔴 Joshua #Zirkzee, he is already on-site and undergoing his medical with @ManUtd / #MUFC ✔️
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 12, 2024
If everything goes well, he is expected to sign his contract until 2029 + 1 today and the deal will be announced. Understand, the 23 y/o is very proud to join ManUtd.
🆕 Zirkzee… pic.twitter.com/EjVPUDeUJx
Zirkzee becomes the first signing under new owner Jim Ratcliffe.
There is expectations that there is going to be a significant revamp of the squad following an eighth place finish. The likes of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have already left the club and they will most likely look for exits for other players such as Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho.
Given their defensive frailties, perhaps a forward may not have been the area of the pitch many would have prioritized. But the Red Devils do have a lack of depth up top with the already known exits and the exits that could happen.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are the only players you can pencil in come next season. Antony has been a disappointment and despite Erik ten Hag being retained as manager, Manchester United are likely to move him on should a good offer arrive. At the very least, they will listen.
Zirkzee had a good season with Bologna. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals for the Serie A side who were one of the surprise revelations under Thiago Motta. They finished in fifth place and qualified for the Champions League.
The resources of Manchester United and the Premier League once again come into play as Zirkzee joins a side that won't play in the Champions League next season, rather the Conference League.
Zirkzee isn't the only new face at Manchester United as the club also announced the incorporations of Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to Ten Hag's coaching staff.
"I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff," Ten Hag said.
"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."
Changes have begun and more are to follow as Manchester United know they can't afford a repeat of last season. Expect more signings as the club looks to, at the very least, finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.