He has the potential to become a world class player If only Ten Hag can really Harness this great talent”, Man city boss pep Guardiola told Ten Hag how to unleash £36m signing’s true colours after transfer

Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. The two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee for the 23-year-old, who is set to bring his talents to Old Trafford.

Zirkzee is expected to arrive in Manchester on Thursday evening, with his medical scheduled for Friday. The Dutch international had a €40 million (£34 million) release clause in his contract with Bologna, but Manchester United have agreed to a slightly higher fee of €42.5 million, which will be paid in installments over three years. This approach allows United to manage their finances more effectively than paying the release clause in one lump sum.

Zirkzee will be Manchester United’s first major acquisition of the summer transfer window. His move to England follows a stellar season in Italy, where he impressed under the guidance of Thiago Motta at Bologna. Despite a challenging start to his career at Bayern Munich, including loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht, Zirkzee found his stride in the Serie A, scoring 12 goals last season. His performances not only secured him a spot in the Dutch squad for EURO 2024 but also caught the attention of Manchester United.

Manuel Minguzzi, an editor at Tuttobologna, spoke highly of Zirkzee’s development and potential. “He is a talented player,” Minguzzi told the Manchester Evening News. “He capitalized on Marko Arnautovic’s transfer to Inter Milan to become a starter. In the summer of 2023, he returned with a new mindset, and Thiago Motta’s coaching helped him flourish.”

In Northern Italy, Zirkzee became a beloved figure, and his contributions played a significant role in helping Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1965. His popularity surged, with fans buying numerous jerseys bearing his name, and he became a well-liked presence in the locker room.

Now, Zirkzee faces the challenge of making his mark in the Premier League under the leadership of Erik Ten Hag. The Manchester United manager is familiar with Zirkzee’s abilities and is expected to place significant trust in his fellow Dutchman to help him reach his full potential at Old Trafford.

“He became an idol,” Minguzzi added. “The bond he created with his teammates and the trust he garnered from them were crucial. He has immense talent but needs to be more consistent during games and improve his goal-scoring frequency. Understanding when to make a simple play versus a complex one is key, but with the support of his coach and teammates, he can become a pivotal player for United. He can play as a centre forward or a second forward and is versatile with the ball.”

Zirkzee’s arrival at Manchester United will introduce healthy competition for the 21-year-old forward Rasmus Hojlund. There is genuine excitement and belief that Zirkzee and Hojlund could form a formidable partnership leading United’s attack for years to come. As United aims to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of English football, Zirkzee’s success could be integral to their ambitions.