Joshua Zirkzee. (Picture Credit: Instagram/@zirkzee)
In the past, football legends like Andy Cole, Dimitar Berbatov, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have donned the iconic number nine jersey for Manchester United.
With Manchester United closing in on the signing of Joshua Zirkzee, the Netherlands striker has made one final request to the Premier League giants. Erik ten Hag’s transfer work for the Red Devils is in full swing as they try to bring in the Dutch forward. Amid the transfer talks, multiple outlets have claimed that Zirkee has asked for the number 9 shirt at Manchester United. It was previously worn by Anthony Martial but was vacated after the Frenchman departed last month. The report also suggests that there could be some tussle for the iconic number, as Demark’s Rasmus Hojlund is also in the line for the shirt.
Manchester United’s number 9 shirt carries major significance. In the past, football legends like Andy Cole, Dimitar Berbatov, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have donned the iconic number at the club. Anthony Martial was the last footballer to play in the number 9 jersey for Manchester United.
After a blockbuster move to England, Martial looked like the real deal, announcing himself with a stunning debut goal against Liverpool. Yet he was stripped of the shirt with Ibrahimovic and Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford. Martial later got his hands on the jersey again in 2019, after which he remained the club’s number 9 until 2023. With his contract expiring last month, there has been no update on who would take the iconic number after the Frenchman.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg even shared a post on X talking about Joshua Zirkee’s speculated move to Manchester United. In this post, he wrote, “Joshua Zirkee, he is already on-site and undergoing his medical with Manchester United…
Zirkee hopes to get the jersey with the number 9.”
Joshua #Zirkzee, he is already on-site and undergoing his medical with @ManUtd / #MUFC ✔️If everything goes well, he is expected to sign his contract until 2029 + 1 today and the deal will be announced. Understand, the 23 y/o is very proud to join ManUtd.
Zirkzee… pic.twitter.com/EjVPUDeUJx
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 12, 2024
Joshua Zirkee is set to become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer. They have reportedly already agreed to pay Bologna more than his release clause in a favourable payment plan. A fee of £35.7 million is expected to be paid over three years. The deal would see the 23-year-old pen a five-year contract with the club.
While Europe turns its attention to the Euro 2024 finale between England and Spain, clubs across the continent remain focused on the ongoing summer transfer window. With the UEFA tournament soon coming to a close, there is little opportunity for an excuse if certain transfers are delayed. Manchester United realise the importance of the situation as they look to accelerate their moves for Joshua Zirkee and his Netherlands teammate Matthijs de Ligt.
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