Bologna director Marco Di Vaio reveals Joshua Zirkzee’s €40m clause is only valid for Bayern Munich, so all other clubs interested in the Dutch striker must negotiate with the Rossoblu.
Zirkzee has scored eight goals in 19 appearances across all competitions this season, helping Bologna earn a place in the top four and eliminate title holders Inter from the Coppa Italia Round of 16.
The 22-year-old moved to the Stadio Dall’Ara from Bayern Munich for €8.5 in 2022, and there were reports the striker had a €40m clause included in his contract, valid for all clubs.
However, Bologna director Di Vaio has revealed that only Zirkzee’s former club can activate his €40m clause.
“It’s only valid for Bayern Munich,” Di Vaio said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The former Parma, Bologna and Montreal Impact star insisted that Zirkzee won’t leave the Dall’Ara in January, just like Swiss winger Jesper Karlsson. Di Vaio said Bologna are receiving “many calls” for the Zirkzee, but they “don’t pick up the phone.”
Coach Thiago Motta, a former Italy international is the architect of Bologna’s successes this season, but the ex-midfielder’s contract runs out in June 2024.
“We see him every day, we know what he wants and his ideas. He is always involved,” insisted Di Vaio.
“Now it’s time to develop what we are doing. We can have a future with Thiago. The higher we stay in the table, the more chances we have.
“We don’t fear a big side will get him. We are happy with what we are doing, which didn’t happen in the past. He [Motta] can grow and continue developing his ideas here. He is a young coach and he can do well. Qualifying for Europe would give us more chances to continue together.”