Joshua Zirkzee is heavily on the radar of Manchester United, but just who is he? Here’s everything you need to know about him.
It has been reported that Manchester United are preparing a bid for the Bologna striker who has a £33.7 million release clause.
The Dutch striker has travelled to Euro 2024 with the Netherlands side after a phenomenal season in the Serie A, despite not playing a minute at international level prior to the tournament.
So just who is he? Find out everything you need to know about the Dutchman – right here at United in Focus.
Who is Joshua Zirkzee?
Zirkzee is a professional football player, who currently plays in the Serie A with Bologna, and with the Netherlands national side.
Initially, Zirkzee started his youth career in the Netherlands with VV Hekelingen and later moved to ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. In 2017, he got his big break and joined the youth academy of Bayern Munich.
After impressing throughout the academy ranks, the forward was given his debut for Bayer Munchen II in March 2019, where he bagged a hat-trick.
His senior Bayern Munich debut came just nine months later, a substitute appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League. He scored his first goal just days later on his Bundesliga debut.
After two years floating around the Bayern first team, he then went on a series of loans. Parma first, where he suffered a terrible injury, and then Anderlecht – where he was prolific with 16 goals in 38 games.
But it wasn’t enough to persuade Bayern to keep him. Instead, he was sold tp Bologna – where he’s been electric and has remained ever since. But could he be Old Trafford bound? Time will tell.
When are where was Joshua Zirkzee born?
Zirkzee was born on May 22, 2001, in Schiedam, Netherlands.
What position does Joshua Zirkzee play?
Zirkzee is definitely a centre-forward, but has played as a second striker and at right-wing at some points of his career. However, given his towering height, his abilities are best met up top.
Joshua Zirkzee height
Standing tall at around 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches), Zirkzee is known for his aerial ability, strength, aswell as his sensational finishing.
Joshua Zirkzee release clause: Explained
Zirkzee has a release clause in his contract at 40 million Euros (£34.7m), reports Fabrizio Romano.
Bayern Munich could throw a spanner in the works to any potential deal, however. The German side can re-sign him for half the price if they wish. Or, they can watch him be sold elsewhere and see them take half of the fee Bologna get for him.
How good is Joshua Zirkzee?
There is a reason he’s wanted by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. He’s one of the finest young strikers in world football currently. He’s already been receiving high praise:
“Zirkzee is better than Erling Haaland at everything,” Voetbal International reporter Souleyman Ozturk said last summer.
Newly appointed Juventus manager, and Zirkzee’s former coach, Thiago Motta said the following about him: “He said that his idols are [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and [Gabriel] Batistuta, who are two excellent players, but, seeing him day to day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona,” Motta told Sky Sport Italia. “But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special.”
Don’t believe the professionals? Take a look a this highlights for yourself below.