Manchester United unveil Nigerian descent Joshua Zirkzee as first summer signing

English Premier League giants Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Joshua Zirkzee as their first summer signing, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Red Devils secured the signature of the 22-year-old from Bologna for a fee in the region of €42 million, with Zirkzee set to stay at Old Trafford until June 2029.

Zirkzee, the 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, emerged as Bologna FC’s leading scorer last season, playing a pivotal role in securing the team's spot in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking to Erik ten Hag and other top officials of the Manchester-based club, Zirkzee expressed his excitement about furthering his career in England, despite missing out on playing in the Champions League.

“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 said via the club’s official website. “I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning.”

Zirkzee, born to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother, is eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He previously acknowledged the conditions under which he might choose to represent Nigeria.

“It’s not easy to say. If the Netherlands aren’t calling, then I’ll choose Nigeria. Are they even calling? Maybe. Nigeria is not a country that you just choose because you cannot play for your homeland. The competition there for attackers is perhaps just as great as in the Dutch team. Nigeria has Boniface from Leverkusen and Osimhen from Napoli. And they have many more attackers,” Zirkzee said, as quoted by Algemeen Dagblad.

At the Euro 2024 tournament, Zirkzee has made two appearances for the Netherlands. One more appearance will permanently impact his chances of representing his mother’s country.