• Man United signs striker Joshua Zirkzee.
• Zirkzee signs 5-year contract.
• Zirkzee excited to join “iconic club”.

Manchester United has inaugurated the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era by confirming a €42.5m deal for Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, exceeding his €40m buyout clause with a three-year payment plan. Bayern Munich is set to receive half the transfer fee due to a prior agreement.

Zirkzee, 23, has committed to a five-year tenure at Old Trafford, marking the first acquisition in United’s summer revamp. The club preferred him over other candidates like Jonathan David and Ivan Toney, as they looked to fill the void left by Anthony Martial and complement their sole primary striker and other adaptable players such as Marcus Rashford.

After a 12-goal season that propelled Bologna into the Champions League, Zirkzee expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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.”

He added, “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.”

United’s revamped recruitment team, featuring Dan Ashworth as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as technical director, and Christopher Vivell as head of recruitment, has been pivotal in this signing.

Ashworth remarked, “Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer. We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window.”

He continued, “Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond.”

“Having already achieved a significant amount in his career, we will provide Joshua with the perfect platform to reach the next level under the guidance and support of Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff. We look forward to seeing Joshua thrive at Old Trafford over the coming years.”

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