Confirmed: Striker scouted by Nigeria completes move to Manchester United
Published: July 14, 2024
Through a statement on their official website, Manchester United have announced the signing of cap-tied Netherlands international of Nigerian descent Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee has departed Serie A outfit Bologna following a decision by the Red Devils to exercise the relevant clause in his contract.
The Bayern Munich academy product was a player of interest to the Nigeria Football Federation before he became cap-tied to his country of birth, Netherlands in the just concluded European Championship, where he made his senior debut in a quarterfinal clash against Turkey.
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr saw firsthand the qualities of Zirkzee when he personally scouted him on his full Bundesliga debut against Hoffenheim in February 2020, but the German's attempts to convince the dual-national to switch his allegiance from Netherlands to Nigeria was nothing but a wild-goose chase.
Born to a Nigerian mother and Dutch father, Zirkzee has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Manchester United, with an option to extend it by an extra year.
He was courted by a plethora of top European clubs after an outstanding season that saw him register nineteen goal involvements in 37 all-competition appearances for Bologna, helping them qualify for the 2024-2025 Champions League.
The 23-year-old is set to become the third dual-national of Nigerian descent to represent Manchester United in recent years after Italian-Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo and English-Nigerian attacking midfielder Shola Shoretire.
Zirkzee played for VV Hekelingen, Spartaan '20, ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord in his youth, and also counts Parma and Anderlecht among his previous clubs.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: manutd.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Victor Boniface, who dreams of La Liga move, in attendance as Barcelona thrash Sevilla
- 'Glimpses of a good player' - Blackburn Rovers boss highlights Dennis' potential after debut
- 2026 WCQ: The three strikers who deserve to be named in Eric Chelle's first Super Eagles squad
- Big Boost for Eric Chelle: Atalanta coach reveals Lookman's return date ahead of 2026 WCQ
- FA Cup: Two Nigerians help Plymouth Argyle end Liverpool's quadruple dream
- Super Eagles midfielder Dele-Bashiru nets third league goal in Lazio's demolition of Monza
- 2026 WCQ: Three changes Nigerians expect in Eric Chelle's first Super Eagles squad announcement
- 'Has an eye for goal' - Ex-Spurs GK praises Dennis for first half display in Blackburn's defeat to Wolves
- Emmanuel Dennis squad number revealed ahead of Blackburn Rovers first team debut
- Former West Ham winger urges George to challenge Sancho for starting spot at Chelsea


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football