On Wednesday we covered reports of Manchester United entering strongly into the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee, and mentioned how convenient that was for his agent Kia Joorabchian.
Italian media reports had been talking of a stalemate between the agent and AC Milan, and the Rossoneri were asked for €15m commission if they want to sign the striker from Bologna.
Zirkzee has a €40m exit clause, which is probably around €15-20m lower than his market value, so that’s likely why such big figures are being talked about. Whether it would be paid as straight commission or via other means was unclear, but either way… Milan aren’t doing it.
Thursday’s edition of Corriere di Bologna reports Manchester United are in ‘continuous’ contact with Joorabchian to try and seal a deal, but again we’d question whether things are quite that far along.
The Red Devils are said to have ‘forcefully’ entered the race, with Erik ten Hag keen to sign his compatriot.
Meanwhile, Thursday’s Corriere della Sera has an intriguing report.
They once again make it clear AC Milan will not be paying that €15m, but Joorabchian has apparently come up with an alternative.
Kia will reduce his commission demands if the Serie A club agree to sign Joshua’s younger brother, Jordan. The 18-year-old striker scored six goals in 21 U19 regional Bundesliga matches last season, and is out of contract at Bayer Leverkusen.
Reading between the lines, there’s the possibility that a chunk of that €15m may have been going to the player’s camp, and therefore giving Jordan, say, a four or five year contract and a chance at a top career will be worth more.
Again, this feels like an issue Manchester United have been dragged into.
