Football
Two Man Utd arrivals imminent as Sir Jim Ratcliffe agrees ‘strange’ transfer
Manchester United’s transfer window activity in and out of the club looks set to pick up this week as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to spark a Red Devils revival under his leadership
Manchester United look set for transfer progress in the coming days at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have seen plenty of change behind the scenes with the arrives of sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada. Now, it seems the impact of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ overhaul will take shape closer to the pitch.
United are prioritising a central defender, midfielder and striker in the coming weeks. There is work to be done with little over a month until the start of the Premier League season.
Mirror Football takes a look at the moves the club are making below.
United look to finalise Zirkzee deal
United have agreed terms with Joshue Zirkzee and his representatives ahead of a prospective move for the Dutch striker. Erik ten Hag’s side are now debating whether to activate a £34million release clause that must be activated in full, or to negotiate another fee, per the Athletic.
The 23-year-old has drawn interest from clubs in Serie A and abroad in addition to Manchester United after scoring 11 goals for Bologna last term. Zirkzee is also in the Netherlands squad to have made the Euro 2024 semi-final.
After his side’s progress against Turkey on Saturday night, where Zirkzee made his first appearance in the competion, the forward was asked if he would remain in Serie A for 2024/25.
“I don’t know, let’s see.” came the response.
Donny van de Beek deal
Donny van de Beek could finally be set to leave Old Trafford permanently. The Dutch midfielder, who has made 62 appearances in four seasons at United, has spent time on loan at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt during his stint with the club.
The 27-year-old has struggled to prove himself as a first choice option since making the move from Ajax, and could look to relaunch his career in La Liga. Girona have agreed a deal with United to land the Dutchman according to Fabrizio Romano.
“Manchester United are set to sell Donny van de Beek to Girona,” Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column. “The Dutch midfielder was also a target for Girona back in the January transfer window, but it wasn’t possible at that time as he decided to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. However, Girona are still there and have now agreed a deal with Manchester United.
“Many of you have been asking me about the strange structure of this deal, because it’s been reported that the initial fee will be just €500,000. This would obviously be an incredibly cheap fee for Van de Beek, but the reality is different.
“For now, this is a potential fee as it’s still subject to a personal agreement with Van de Beek and on the player passing a medical. Girona have an agreement with Man United but there are still some steps, and early next week we should know more. As for the fee, it is €500k initially, but there is a big structure of add-ons. There would be around €4-5m paid to Man United if Van de Beek plays a certain number of games, and this is expected to be quite an easy number. If he achieves more in his time at Girona it could even end up being around €10-15m.”
Imminent arrivals
United are set to see additions to their coaching staff too. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake are set to join ten Hag’s backroom staff.
Former United striker Van Nistelrooy has previously managed PSV and is said to have turned down the chance to lead Burnley this summer, while Hake was head coach of Go Ahead Eagles. Neither has seen their appointment announced but it is reported that it is hoped the pair will hit the ground running on Monday.
Hake has already discussed his move. “The feeling I have is difficult to describe, but this is of course a great opportunity for me,” Hake told Voetbal International.
“Working in the biggest league in the world, at one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is also a wonderful reward for me. The fact that I can go to the top of the world from Go Ahead Eagles is unique.
“Of course I am grateful to Erik for this opportunity, but it is not about us knowing each other well. We just have to do good work. Erik has a role in mind for me, we discussed that. As in any staff, all tasks are divided among the assistants.”
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