Before the 2017 Premier League season, United prioritized signing a new striker and at least one center-back while deciding to keep Erik ten Hag as their manager.
Joshua Zirkzee became a primary target after netting 11 goals in Serie A the previous season. However, United faced competition from AC Milan for the 23-year-old.
Zirkzee had initially reached an agreement with AC Milan, but the transfer fell through when Milan refused to pay his agent, Kia Joorabchian, an additional €15 million (£12.6 million) commission.
This delay allowed United to step in, and Zirkzee subsequently agreed to personal terms with the Premier League club, facilitated by discussions with Erik ten Hag.
United then deliberated whether to pay Zirkzee’s €40 million (£33.7 million) release clause outright or negotiate a different deal with Bologna, potentially involving a smaller upfront fee with add-ons due to their financial constraints.
According to Sky Sports Italy, United decided to trigger Zirkzee’s release clause and formally informed Bologna of their intent. Additionally, United agreed to pay the €15 million commission fee that had previously stalled negotiations with AC Milan.
Bayern Munich, Zirkzee’s former club, stood to benefit significantly from the transfer as they had included a 45% sell-on clause when selling the Dutch striker to Bologna for £7 million (€8.5 million) in August 2022.
Zirkzee is currently with the Netherlands squad, preparing for their Euro 2024 semi-final against England. He joined the Dutch team as a late addition in June and earned his first senior cap in their 2-1 victory over Turkey in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
When questioned about his future following the game, Zirkzee expressed uncertainty about remaining in Italy for another season. In an interview with Sportitalia, he responded to inquiries about his future by saying, “I don’t know, let’s see,” and when asked if there was a 50% chance he would stay, he reiterated, “Let’s see.”
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