Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has officially completed his transfer to Manchester United, but the exact cost could be anything from €53m to €61m.
The 23-year-old flew out on Thursday night, passed his medical on Friday afternoon and signed a five-year contract with option for a sixth.
“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,” Zirkzee told the official club 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.”
The Dutch international had a release clause in his contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara worth €40m.
However, that was not activated, as instead Manchester United negotiated a slightly higher fee that allowed them to pay it back over three instalments.
This is reported to be anything from €42.5m to €46m, depending on the source.
On top of that is the commission to agent Kia Joorabchian that Milan refused to pay, which for many months was cited as being €15m.
Calciomercato.com are now suggesting it has been cut to €10m.
Milan had taken a moral stance against such a large commission, especially because the player had a release clause in his contract and therefore did not really need much negotiation.
How much Bologna get from Zirkzee sale
As part of the original €8.5m transfer to Bologna, his old club Bayern Munich are owed 50 per cent of the sell-on fee, so the Rossoblu are only pocketing €20m plus the bonuses.
Zirkzee had a breakout season at Bologna in 2023-24, netting 12 goals with seven assists in 37 games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Before that, his maximum tally in Serie A had been just two goals and two assists at Bologna in 21 matches in 2022-23.
He also had a six-month loan spell at Parma, failing to contribute in four appearances.
Ready to make his mark 🔥
Joshua Zirkzee: welcome to Manchester United ❤️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2024