LONDON: Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has moved to Manchester United on a five-year contract from Bologna, the Premier League club said on Sunday, for a fee believed to be 42.5 million euros ($46.35 million).

The 23-year-old had an excellent season with the Serie A club last season, becoming Bologna’s top scorer with 11 goals and five assists, helping secure the club a place in the Champions League group stage.

United will pay the transfer fee over three years.

“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club,” Zirkzee said in a statement. “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.”

Zirkzee was a late addition to the Netherlands squad for the European Championship, making his senior debut in the quarter-final victory against Turkey.

United ended last season with an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their worst ever performance in the top flight. However, they salvaged their season with victory in the FA Cup.

Zirkzee, who started his senior career with Bayern Munich and had loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht prior to joining Bologna, will compete with Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony for a place in United’s attack in the coming season.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2024