Bologna have rebuffed an approach from Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee, as a summer move looks more likely due to a release clause.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United has seen an approach for Joshua Zirkzee knocked back by Bologna. The Serie A side are uninterested in letting the striker leave but could concede defeat in the summer when a €40 million release clause kicks into his contract.
Manchester United failed with Joshua Zirkzee’s approach
Of late, Joshua Zirkzee has gathered a lot of attention following his stellar start to the season with Bologna. With seven goals and two assists, the former Bayern Munich man has been setting the tone for the Serie A side, as some top-rated clubs have kept monitoring his situation.
Manchester United have maintained an interest in Zirkzee for some time now as Erik ten Hag tries to find a new striker to improve his attack. They have considered a move for the Bologna star and alternative options, including a loan move for Karim Benzema if he becomes available.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg insists Bologna have rebuffed an approach from Manchester United for the €40 million-rated striker. He insists that a summer move looks more likely as Bologna are uninterested in a sale this month.
While there were reports that Manchester United were willing to pay €40 million, there is a release clause of the same amount that kicks in during the summer. Hence, any club interested in Zirkzee must have to trigger that fee to sign the striker, with Bologna unlikely to have any power unless they can agree on fresh terms with the striker.
Joshua Zirkzee’s situation at Bologna
Bologna agreed to a complex deal with Bayern Munich when signing Zirkzee, as the Bavarians value his talents but may have thought about selling then. However, they might have also considered selling him for a considerable price in January that would have seen them maximise his value.
Bayern have a 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back clause inserted in his contract. If the release clause kicks into the his contract, the Bavarians can steal him for half, and when Bologna sell him, they must pay half the fee to the German side.
Bayern are also interested in bringing Zirkzee back to the club. But so far, there is more apparent interest coming from the Premier League. As things stand, Manchester United may have gotten in the lead, but more clubs might go into the mix when the summer window opens.
