23-year old Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee could soon be joining Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United! Zirkzee’s future at Bologna was uncertain amidst his incredible performances in the previous season.
Manchester United had to endure one of their poorest seasons ever. The Red Devils would finish on a historic-low securing an 8th place finish. Moreover, they would concede an astounding amount of 84 goals across all competitions. United would suffer heavy defeats to the unlikeliest of oppositions.
Furthermore, they were stunningly poor in the opposition’s attacking third failing to score. In fact, they would score merely 57 goals in the League having conceded 58! However, the Red Devils would end the season on a positive note thanks to their FA Cup victory against Manchester City. Consequently, they would replace Chelsea in the UEFA Europa League next season.
On the other hand, Zirkzee had an amazing season with Bologna. Bologna would finish 5th securing a Champions League qualification in the upcoming season. They will be returning amongst the Europe’s elite after 6 decades!
The 23-year old scored 12 goals in 37 appearances in the previous campaign. He was instrumental in Bologna’s success. Henceforth, Manchester United are keen to secure a move for Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s rise: A player in the making!
Zirkzee began his youth player career playing for VV Hekelingen, Spartaan’20 and ADO Den Haag. Subsequently, he would join Feyenoord’s academy in 2016. Thereafter, he would move out of the Netherlands to join Bayern Munich as a youth player in 2017.
Zirkzee would score a hat-trick on his senior debut for Bayern Munich II. Followingly, he would keep rising and feature for Bayern’s first team for the first time in 2019. The 23-year old scored 4 goals in 17 appearances for the Bavarians. The Dutchman would join Parma on loan in 2020. However, he would suffer an LCL injury keeping him out of action. The striker would only make 4 appearances for Parma and all as a substitute.
Thereafter, Anderlecht would loan the 23-year old from Bayern. Zirkzee really found his feet in the Belgian Pro League. He would go on to make 47 appearances and find the back of the net 18 times for Anderlecht.
The 23-year old would move to Bologna on a permanent deal in 2022. He would feature 21 times scoring merely twice. However, things would turn in his second season. He would go on to score 8 goals in his first 16 games under Thiago Motta!
Consequently, the 23-year old would become the Serie A Best Young Player for the 23/24 season.
Moreover, he began his international youth career featuring in the U15 Netherlands squad in 2016. Subsequently, he made appearances for the Oranje till the U21 squad. Zirkzee is yet to win a national cap for the first team.
Manchester United convince Joshua Zirzkee for Old Trafford move!
The 23-year old was a top target for numerous European clubs. Especially, owing to his incredible performances. Furthermore, Bologna director has already stated that there is a next to no chance of Zirkzee staying.
Manchester United have been lurking around Joshua Zirkzee for quite some time now. Reports suggest that the Red Devils have reached an agreement with the Dutchman’s agent. United will be hoping to foster a partnership between Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee.
Although, United may have to splurge €40 million on the 23-year old. However, it may pay off in the long run. Provided, Zirkzee succeeds at the Theatre of Dreams. INEOS and United are looking to rebuild by introducing young players into the squad. Zirkzee fits the profile well and could be an interesting addition to United’s roster.
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