Manchester United have secured a first signing of the summer having confirmed the addition of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday.
Signing announcements coming on a Sunday isn’t all that common, but Manchester United fans knew this deal was coming.
United have been chasing a striker this summer, seeking cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund up top.
Joshua Zirkzee has clearly been the top target for a while now and United appeared to be closing in last week.
Dutch media reports suggested that United would confirm the signing of Zirkzee once the Netherlands were knocked out of Euro 2024.
That moment arrived on Wednesday night, with England dumping the Netherlands out in the semi-finals.
Sure enough, United have been able to accelerate the Zirkzee deal since then and confirmed his arrival on Sunday in a £36million deal.
Joshua Zirkzee on Kobbie Mainoo chat
Zirkzee has been a clear target for United in recent weeks and he set tongues wagging straight after that Netherlands game.
The 6ft 4in striker was seen chatting to United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on the pitch, leaving United supporters believing that they were discussing a potential transfer.
Zirkzee has now been asked about that meeting with Mainoo – and confirmed the rumours in the process.
Speaking on Instagram, Zirkzee admitted that Mainoo got straight down to business, asking whether the striker would be heading to Old Trafford.
Zirkzee eat his reply fairly short and sweet, telling Mainoo that he would see him soon, shortly after England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
“He just asked me if I was coming,” said Zirkzee. “I said see you soon after the final!”
Mainoo will have a break now having been in action for England over the summer, starting the last four games for the Three Lions.
That means it may be a little wait for Zirkzee in terms of linking up with Mainoo at United, but the pair no doubt can’t wait to play together.
Zirkzee and Mainoo part of exciting Manchester United future
This is just the first signing for United this summer and Ineos have much more work to do before they will receive a pat on the back.
Still, Zirkzee is a real talent at 23 and should have the best years of his career ahead of him.
11 goals in Serie A last season was a decent return but United have invested in him in the hope of seeing him become a star down the line.
United already have exciting talents for the future with Mainoo, Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho leading the way in that regard.
Zirkzee is a little older than that trio but still have room to develop for the future having only played 125 top-flight games in his career.
The hope is that Mainoo and Zirkzee will be playing regularly for United for years to come now, with the pair no doubt able to look back on that meeting in Germany down the line.