Joshua Zirkzee, a talented Dutch forward, is set to make a move to Manchester United. This transfer has the potential to bring excitement and impact to Old Trafford, as Zirkzee has a history of making immediate contributions to his teams.
Five years ago, when Zirkzee was just 18 years old, he made his debut for Bayern Munich under manager Hansi Flick. In a crucial Bundesliga match against Freiburg, Zirkzee was sent on as a substitute in the 90th minute. Within 104 seconds, he scored a goal that helped secure a 3-1 victory for Bayern. This impressive performance was followed by another goal in his next appearance against Wolfsburg, further solidifying his reputation as a talented young player.
Zirkzee’s journey to the international stage began at VV Hekelingen in Spijkenisse, before he joined the academy of Feyenoord. He showcased his versatility and goal-scoring ability while playing for both the under-16 and under-17 teams at Feyenoord. Despite receiving contract offers, Zirkzee decided to explore other options for more security and eventually caught the attention of Bayern Munich and Everton.
Although Everton offered him a contract, Zirkzee patiently waited for an offer from Bayern. He proposed training with the team for three times before making a decision, which ultimately convinced Bayern to sign him. This move to Germany was uncommon for young Dutch players at the time, as many of them opted for moves to England. Zirkzee saw it as a unique challenge and embraced the opportunity.
After joining Bayern, Zirkzee initially played for their youth teams before earning occasional opportunities to train with the first team. It was during these training camps that he had the chance to share a dressing room with top players like Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller. Zirkzee’s patience paid off when he made his official first-team debut in a Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Loan moves to Parma and Anderlecht followed, allowing Zirkzee to gain more first-team experience. His time at Anderlecht, in particular, was successful, with him scoring 15 league goals and providing eight assists. He also represented the Netherlands Under-21 side during this period, impressing his coach with his technical skills and efficiency as a striker.
Zirkzee was eventually sold to Bologna, where he initially played as a substitute but quickly progressed in his second season. With 11 goals and five assists, he played a crucial role in securing Champions League qualification for the team. These performances earned him a call-up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, where he made his international debut in the quarter-finals against Turkey.
Now, as Zirkzee prepares for his move to Manchester United, he brings a wide range of skills and versatility to the team. His ability to make deep runs, receive and hold balls, and provide creative assists will be valuable for manager Erik ten Hag. Additionally, his instant impact potential, as seen in his early days at Bayern Munich, could excite United fans.
Overall, Joshua Zirkzee’s journey from humble beginnings in the Netherlands to potentially joining Manchester United is a testament to his talent and determination. His previous successes suggest that he has the potential to make a significant impact at Old Trafford and contribute to the team’s success in the Premier League.