Manchester United Get Dutch Striker Joshua Zirkzee

JAKARTA - Manchester United has officially announced the transfer of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Italian club Bologna for a value of 36.54 million pounds sterling (around Rp747 billion).

"Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Joshua Zirkzee has joined the club," MU wrote on their official website on Sunday.

MU also revealed that the Dutch national team striker had signed a five-year contract, which resulted in ties until June 2029 with the option of an extension for a year.

Zirkzee's release clause at Bologna was actually only 34 million (around Rp659 billion), but MU offered a higher value on the condition that it paid in installments for three years.

Zirkzee became the first purchase of Manchester United's men's team since Sir Jim Radcliffe acquired 27.7 percent of the British club's shares in December last year.

The 23-year-old forward said he was very proud to be joining a club as big as Manchester United and was ready to face new challenges.

"It is an honor to be joining this iconic club. I will take a vacation now after defending the national team, but I will return soon to make a direct contribution," he said after being officially introduced by MU.

Zirkzee also revealed that he had spoken to coaches and club officials before the official transfer was announced.

"I've spoken to coaches (Erik Ten Hag) and club officials, I know how interesting the future is here and I can't wait to contribute to Manchester United's success," he said.

Zirkzee last season scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Bologna in Serie A. Bologna also managed to qualify for next season's Champions League.