Why Manchester United won’t have to pay £46m if they trigger Joshua Zirkzee’s £34m release clause

Many have thought that Manchester United would have to pay £46 million in order to sign Joshua Zirkzee this summer, but this may not be the case.

Manchester United are looking to sign a striker this summer in order to provide Rasmus Højlund with some much-needed back-up and competition, with the Danish striker now the only centre-forward in Erik ten Hag‘s squad.

Following Anthony Martial‘s departure at the end of the season, the club are looking to add a further goal threat to their attacking arsenal and has seemingly landed on FC Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

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Recent reports have confirmed that United has initiated contact with Zirkzee and his agent about a potential deal.

Although many thought that the Dutch international’s move to AC Milan was all but sealed, negotiations have been stumbling. The player’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, wants a large fee for facilitating the deal.

The agent is reportedly demanding over £12 million in commission should a deal go through, which AC Milan are willing to pay. Zirkzee has a £34 million release clause, meaning that any club that wants to sign him would have to pay an overall fee of £46 million.

However, a fresh report from journalist Nick Semeraro has now explained that United would not have to pay as much in order to secure the 23-year-old this summer.

While Semeraro confirms that Joorabchian is demanding Milan must cough up the cash or the deal will close, the same stance is not being taken with United. It is claimed that Joorabchian is willing to lower his agent demands if United can secure the move.

This is because, while Joorabchian has “terrible” relations with Milan, initial talks with United have been positive, meaning the relationship is much more positive.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. are looking to reduce their spending on agent fees and have just taken a fantastic step in that direction.

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