Manchester United has successfully negotiated a fee with Bologna for striker Joshua Zirkzee, as per insider information provided to ESPN. The agreement reached between the two clubs surpasses the €40 million ($43m) release clause stated in Zirkzee’s contract. Opting to spread out the payment over an extended period, United has avoided the necessity of an upfront lump sum. Sources reveal that the Red Devils opted to pay a slight premium in exchange for this stretched payment plan. Zirkzee, who garnered interest from AC Milan as well, has already finalized personal terms with Manchester United and is scheduled to make the transition to Old Trafford on a five-year contract post his medical assessment. With 12 goals under his belt for Bologna in the previous season, the 23-year-old is anticipated to be United’s premier signing for the upcoming season.
In addition to the player acquisitions, Manchester United has also revamped its coaching staff configuration. Confirming the signings of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake for two-year contracts to fortify Erik ten Hag’s backroom team, the club has decided to retain Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher as first-team coaches. However, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy will be bidding farewell to the team. Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with the new additions, asserting that both Ruud and Rene are poised to contribute a wealth of experience, knowledge, and renewed vigor to the coaching squad. Insider sources disclosed to ESPN that the initial payment for the duo’s contracts stands at €500k, with additional performance-based add-ons potentially escalating the total sum to €9.1m.
Leave a Reply