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Manchester United have informed Bologna of their willingness to pay Joshua Zirkzee’s release clause.
With the agent fees for the player already settled, which was the main issue for AC Milan, it appears that United will secure the transfer once Holland finishes their Euro 24 campaign.
Manchester United have told Bologna they are prepared to pay or match Joshua Zirkzee’s €40m release clause. Zirkzee focused on Euro 2024 causing a delay in any decision, but his agent Kia Joorabchian is in direct talks with Manchester United. Understand the commissions spoken of… pic.twitter.com/AxE3Py8GKS
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 6, 2024
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports:
“Manchester United have told Bologna they are prepared to pay or match Joshua Zirkzee’s €40m release clause.
“Zirkzee focused on Euro 2024 causing a delay in any decision, but his agent Kia Joorabchian is in direct talks with Manchester United.
“Understand the commissions spoken of are around €10m. Milan have refused to pay this high despite getting buy-in from Zirkzee pre-window. Zirkzee is now currently a top striker priority for United”
Zirkzee had agreed personal terms with Milan – believed to be in the region of €6 million per year (just under £100,000 per week), but agent fees of €15 million were the bone of contention.
It had been widely reported that the striker wanted to stay in Serie A, but United’s progress in the talks suggests he has had his head turned by the Premier League side.
The 23 year old’s release clause kicked in on 1st July and lasts until mid August.
Bologna had hoped to persuade the Dutchman to stay by offering him an improved contract, but his heart seems set on leaving.
With the Netherlands beating Turkey in a closely fought quarter final this evening, when Zirkzee got his first minutes in Euro 24, United will have to wait to close the deal until at least Wednesday, when the Oranje play England in the semi-final.
The same could be true for another top transfer target, Matthijs de Ligt, who is also in the Dutch squad but is yet to kick a ball in the tournament.
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