Manchester United has informed Bologna that they are ready to trigger Joshua Zirkzee’s €40 million (£33.7 million) release clause.
The club has decided to keep Erik ten Hag as manager and prioritise a move for a new striker and at least one new center-back ahead of the new Premier League season. Zirkzee, who scored 11 goals in Serie A last season, was one of the leading candidates on United’s shortlist, but the Premier League club has decided not to sign him.
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AC Milan had struck an early deal with Zirkzee, but their transfer was blocked when they refused to pay an additional €15 million (£12.6 million) in commission to the player’s agent, Kia Joorabchian.
That delay allowed United to make their bid, and Zirkzee has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League club after speaking directly with Erik ten Hag.
United were then considering whether to pay Zirkzee’s €40 million (£33.7 million) release clause in full or, due to financial constraints, to negotiate a separate deal with Bologna that would have included a lower upfront sum with add-ons.
According to Sky Sports Italy, United have formally alerted Bologna of their decision to trigger Zirkzee’s clause.
United has also agreed to pay an additional €15 million (£12.6 million) in commission fees, which stalled the deal with AC Milan last month.
Bayern Munich will also benefit greatly from Zirkzee’s move to United, as they included a 45% sell-on clause in their agreement, which saw the Dutch striker join Bologna for £7 million (€8.5 million) from the Bundesliga club in August 2022.
Zirkzee is presently with the Netherlands squad, preparing for their Euro 2024 semi-final against England on Wednesday evening.
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