Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils confirm Joshua Zirkzee move; club to discuss Jadon Sancho future, and more - July 14, 2024
Manchester United are working to usher in a new era under INEOS at Old Trafford. The new minority owners have retained their trust in manager Erik ten Hag, who is planning to upgrade his squad this summer.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have announced the arrival of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants are set to discuss attacker Jadon Sancho's future in the coming days.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 14, 2024:
Manchester United confirm Joshua Zirkzee move
Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer. The 23-year-old put up quite a show with the Serie A side last season, registering 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games across competitions.
His performances eventually convinced the Red Devils to make the Dutchman the first signing of the INEOS era. Ten Hag was already in the market for a new No. 9 this summer following an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign.
The Dutch manager has turned to his countryman for solutions this summer. Zirkzee has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford till 2029. Speaking to the club's website, the 23-year-old said that he's eager to get started with the Premier League giants.
"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," said Zirkzee.
He continued:
"I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.
"It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away."
Zirkzee could be a fine replacement for Anthony Martial, who parted ways with Manchester United this summer.
Red Devils to discuss Jadon Sancho future, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are preparing for internal talks to determine Jadon Sancho's future, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio. The Premier League giants recently revealed that the player had resumed first team training, hinting at the end of his fallout with Ten Hag.
The Dutchman had banished Sancho from the squad for disciplinary issues last season and was shipped off to Borussia Dortmund in January. It now appears that the player and the manager have opted to kiss and make up.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that a final decision regarding Sancho's future is yet to be made.
“Finally on United, Jadon Sancho keeps being linked with Juventus, though some reports now also suggest they have switched their focus elsewhere.
"My understanding is that no decision has been made yet on the winger. The first step for Juventus is selling Federico Chiesa and/or Matias Soule, then they will decide which winger they want to sign," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Man United will discuss the Sancho situation in the next days, he’s now back with the squad and his feeling with Erik ten Hag in the next weeks will be important to understand more on his future.”
Sancho is under contract at Old Trafford till 2026.
Manchester United planning Victor Lindelof exit
Manchester United are planning to offload Victor Lindelof this summer, according to Manchester Evening News. The Swedish defender is in the final year of his contract with the club but hasn't been offered a new deal yet.
The player is no longer a first-team regular under Ten Hag and registered just 28 appearances across competitions last season. With the manager reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt this summer, Lindelof's time at the club could be coming to an end.
The Red Devils have stepped up their efforts to offload the 29-year-old this year. Lindelof could also be open to a departure in search of regular football.