In a major update that has stirred excitement across the footballing world, Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of a Dutch striker for £40 million.
The player, who has reportedly been handed one of the club’s legendary shirt numbers, has already arrived in Manchester for his unveiling scheduled for today.
This signing marks a crucial step in United’s plans to revamp their attack after a disappointing season in front of goal.
While details regarding the identity of the player and the specific shirt number are still emerging, strong speculation suggests that it is likely Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Zirkzee, a highly-rated Dutch forward, has been heavily linked with Manchester United throughout the summer.
Reports indicate that United have reached personal terms with the player and are prepared to activate his €40 million release clause.
If the reports of the “legendary” shirt number are accurate, Zirkzee could be receiving an iconic number such as #9 or #7, which carries significant history at Old Trafford.
However, until the club makes an official announcement regarding the shirt number, this remains speculative.
Beyond this signing, Manchester United’s activity in the transfer market has been very ambitious. The club has already initiated efforts to bring in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.
Both players have impressed in the Premier League and could provide much-needed depth and quality to United’s frontline.
While official bids have not yet been submitted for either player, their names remain high on the club’s shortlist as United look to refresh their attacking options.
Another major target for United is Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker has had a phenomenal season in Portugal, attracting interest from multiple top European clubs.
However, Sporting are reportedly unwilling to negotiate below his release clause of approximately €100 million.
United may consider Gyökeres as a top alternative if the deal for Zirkzee were to fall through or if they aim to add further firepower to their attack.
Aside from attacking reinforcements, Manchester United are also closely monitoring potential midfield additions. One standout candidate is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has quickly made a name for himself in the Premier League with his powerful, box-to-box playing style and exceptional ability to progress the ball.
Baleba’s defensive tenacity, combined with his skill in breaking opposition lines with both passes and carries, makes him an attractive option for manager Ruben Amorim’s system, which demands high work rate and tactical discipline from midfielders.
Baleba’s statistics from last season are particularly impressive.
He averaged 6.5 possession regains per 90 minutes — the seventh-best rate among Premier League midfielders with at least 900 minutes played.
In addition, his progressive carries rank him fourth in the league, behind only players from Manchester City and Liverpool.
While United have already added Manuel Ugarte to their midfield, Baleba offers a different profile — one that could complement players like Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, who lack Baleba’s physicality and athleticism.
From a transfer standpoint, Baleba fits perfectly into Manchester United’s current strategy of targeting young, high-upside players who are already proven in top leagues.
While Brighton would likely demand a hefty fee — potentially upwards of £60 million — United’s improved financial position and potential sales of players such as Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood could free up the necessary funds.
Overall, Manchester United’s transfer approach under INEOS and new manager Ruben Amorim reflects a clear vision: to assemble a squad full of talented, young players who can both deliver immediate results and form the foundation of a successful long-term project.
The signings of players like Zirkzee, Cunha, Mbeumo, Gyökeres, and potentially Baleba demonstrate the club’s commitment to building a balanced, dynamic, and competitive squad capable of challenging for major honors once again.
