Man Utd sign Dutch forward Zirkzee from Bologna for reported €40M

Joshua Zirkzee is Manchester United's first signing of the Jim Ratcliffe era.

The Red Devils reached an agreement to sign the 23-year-old Dutch forward from Bologna on Sunday, the Premier League club announced.

The deal is understood to be worth just over €40 million, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Zirkzee completed the move after agreeing to personal terms on a five-year contract that'll keep him at Old Trafford until 2029. The deal includes an option for a sixth season.

"Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United," he told the club's website.

"I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.

"It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away."

His Bologna agreement included a €40-million release clause, but The Guardian's Jamie Jackson previously reported that a slightly higher fee was agreed upon to allow Manchester United to pay in installments.

Zirkzee had 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions in his second season with Bologna.

Manchester United could turn their attention toward strengthening their defense after being linked with moves for Zirkzee's compatriot Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich and Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

This is the first summer since Ratcliffe became a co-owner at Manchester United in December 2023. One of his main objectives heading into the summer was overhauling a squad that finished a club-worst eighth in the Premier League last season.