Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United, The Full Details: Playstyle, Wages, Contract Length

Joshua Zirkzee will join Manchester United and become the first signing of the INEOS era at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old forward has agreed on terms with the Premier League outfit, and United have now also reached an agreement with Bologna over a fee for the striker.

He will provide important depth in the striker position, with Rasmus Højlund being the only recognised no.9 at the club currently.

UtdDistrict have compiled full details of the move below.

Transfer fee and contract details

The total transfer fee for the signing will be £35.7 million rather than the £34 million release clause in Zirkzee’s contract at Bologna. This is so United can pay off those terms across a three-year period rather than in one lump sum.

Nick Semararo has reported that United’s contract offer is around £5 million per year, including bonuses, putting Zirkzee on around £96,000 per week at Old Trafford.

It has been well reported to be a five-year contract, with it also being likely that there will be an option for a further year in the deal.

Zirkzee’s playstyle

Zirkzee is not a traditional centre-forward, and despite his height, he does some of his best work with the ball at his feet.

“I’m not a pure centre forward. I said a year ago that I liked playing with an attacking partner,” he has previously explained. “But Motta transformed me into a 9 and a half. I’m not an Arnautovic type, I like to come forward after playing the ball and help the team. And score goals.”

An understandable comparison to the Dutch international could be Anthony Martial before his career was scuppered by injuries.

“I want people to have fun when they come to see me. Creativity is the best way to express yourself. Creativity at the service of the team is a lethal combination,” he added.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.