Joshua Zirkzee is finally a Man Utd player! Bologna star completes £36m transfer to Old Trafford to become first major signing of INEOS era

It was reported on Thursday that United had reached an agreement with Bologna worth €42.5 million (£36m/$46m) that would see the 23-year-old join the Old Trafford club. The Dutch attacker was initially close to joining AC Milan, but that deal fell through, paving the way for the Red Devils to swoop in and snap him up. He has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for an extra season as he joins up with fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag in Manchester.

Zirkzee is United's first major signing since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group purchased a minority share in the club. The British billionaire is looking to overhaul the club's transfer strategy, having brought in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as the club's new sporting director. He followed Omar Berrada who took over as CEO after agreeing to join the club from Manchester City.

"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," Zirkzee said.

"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. 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."

After competing at Euro 2024 with Netherlands, Zirkzee will join his new team-mates as United begin preparing for the new season. Ten Hag's side are looking to improve on last season's eighth place finish in the English top-flight - their worst ever finish of the Premier League era.