Joshua Zirkzee arrives in England for Man Utd medical

Joshua Zirkzee is reported to have flown to England on Thursday night ahead of his anticipated medical and transfer to Manchester United.

The Bologna forward is set to become the Old Trafford club’s first signing of the summer after an agreement between the club was struck over a structured payment plan.

United will pay slightly more than Zirkzee’s £34m release clause for the privilege of being able to spread the cost of signing the Dutchman over several instalments. He is expected to sign a long-term contract in Manchester until 2029, with an option for a further 12 months.

David Ornstein of The Athletic relayed as Zirkzee was flying in that his medical is expected to be conducted on Friday ahead of then formally completing the transfer.

Although not initially called up and drafted in as a late injury replacement, the 23-year-old has been with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024 in recent weeks. But their tournament came to an end on Wednesday night after a dramatic semi-final defeat to England. Now released from duty, Zirkzee and United have wasted little time in arranging the final steps of the transfer process.

Once everything is wrapped up in Manchester, Zirkzee is likely to have a short break before reporting properly for pre-season. The squad will be flying to Los Angeles in the final week of July to begin a series of friendly games, which would be a good moment for him to join his new teammates.

Zirkzee’s arrival is a welcome boost for United following the release of Anthony Martial last month. The Frenchman’s ongoing struggles with injury mean that the raw and developing Rasmus Hojlund was the only true striker in the squad for the majority of 2023/24.

Part of the Bologna side the upset the status quo in Series A last season to finish fifth and qualify for the Champions League, Zirkzee will add depth and variance to United’s attack. Although a similar physical stature to Hojlund, the 23-year-old more typically operates more in the inside left channel or a slightly deeper creative role that has resulted in comparisons to Harry Kane and Ronaldinho.

United continue to be in the market for at least one new centre-back, with Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro all serious targets.

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