Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has detailed the reasons behind the Premier League club’s acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee in the current summer transfer window….READ FULL ARTICLE...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
The Netherlands international, who has Nigerian roots, has made the switch from Bologna and will join the United squad after his summer break.
Zirkzee had a standout season in Serie A, playing a key role in helping Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 60 years.
According to Transfermarkt, he netted 12 goals and provided seven assists last term, earning a late call-up to Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad, which reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Zirkzee was among the top 10 players in the Italian top flight last season for goals from open play, chances created from open play, and successful dribbles.
A glowing endorsement from Joshua Zirkzee's former manager, Thiago Motta ✨ pic.twitter.com/MQS5aHSMY1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 16, 2024
Capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, the former Bayern Munich forward is expected to impact the Red Devils’ 2024-25 campaign significantly.
Ten Hag is confident that Zirkzee will add a new dimension to his Manchester United team.
“He is a player who can link up the game,” the Red Devils boss told reporters in Norway, as cited by the club’s website.
“He can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, [make] combinations.”
Joshua Zirkzee.
The first signing of the new era for Manchester United ✅🔴 pic.twitter.com/ly6rDvd1bd
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 14, 2024
The 53-year-old tactician added, “So that’s a different type and always what we are looking for.”
“So it gives us more options tactically, which is good because, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct, and they can take a big benefit from his skills.”
The 25-year-old Nigerian forward is expected to leave Napoli this summer if any club activates his release clause of €130 million, which was inserted into his contract after he signed an extension last season.
Napoli are reportedly open to lowering the €100mil to help facilitate the transfer and raise funds for new boss Conte to rejuvenate his squad ahead of the 2024/25 season….READ FULL ARTICLE
