In a transfer announcement that has fans across Italy’s football landscape buzzing, Inter Milan are set to finalize the 7‑year contract of Dutch striker Joshua , aged 23. The initial reports confirm a medical scheduled for next Monday, with Inter poised to unveil their long-term marquee signing.
✅ What We Know Now:
- Player: Joshua, 23-year-old Dutch striker
- Duration: 7‑year contract (until June 2032)
- Status: Medical appointment locked in for Monday
- Role: Expected as Inter’s long-term attacking leader
- Fee: Reports vary, but deal includes complex structure (see below)
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Who Is Joshua Zirkzee? – The Rising Dutch Star
Born in Schiedam (the Netherlands), Zirkzee came through Bayern Munich’s academy, had loan success at Anderlecht, then blossomed into a top-tier striker at Bologna (11 goals & 4 assists in 2023–24) . He earned senior international honors with the Netherlands during Euro 2024 ().
In July 2024, he joined Manchester United on a £36.5 m, 5‑year deal but struggled with just 3 PL goals in 32 appearances—totaling seven across 48 matches . Now, Inter are swooping in.
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Inter’s Strategic Gamble on a Long-Term Play
A seven-year deal is a statement—Inter aren’t just signing a backup; they’re planning for tomorrow. With veteran forwards like Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram still at the club, Zirkzee arrives not as a bench option, but as a future lynchpin—either paired in attack or eventually the main man.
According to reports, Inter are edging over rivals with a smarter approach—sweetening the deal with potential swaps like Valentin Carboni + cash, or waiving a buy-back clause for Giovanni Fabbian . Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti cited Zirkzee’s “tactical versatility” as a key factor .
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Money Matters: Fee, Clauses & Agent Drama
- Bologna reportedly valued Zirkzee at €65–70 m
- A release clause of €40 m emerged—but Bologna (and Bayern, via sell-on clauses) might not accept that low-ball figure
- Agent Kia Joorabchian’s commission demands (est. €10–20 m) have delayed negotiations
- Inter are navigating these complexities with player-plus-cash deals and possible clause sacrifices.
Despite being dubbed a “bounce-back” from his Manchester stint, Inter believe in his “technical quality and creativity” needed for their two‑striker system .
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Clickbait Headlines Coming to Life
Imagine this set of teasers:
- “INTER LOSES SLEEP FOR 7‑YEAR ZIRKZEE: Is This the Striker to Rule San Siro for a Decade?”
- “AGENT DRAMA SHOCKS SUMMER TRANSFER: Zirkzee’s Camp DEMANDS €15 M—Inter Respond With Cut‑Price Genius!”
- “LUATARO’S SUCCESSOR? 23‑Year‑Old Zirkzee Set for Monday Medical—Will He Steal the Spotlight?”
It’s a move dripping with intrigue, drama, and strategic depth—perfect clickbait fodder.
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Why This Could Define Inter’s Era
1. Youth-Focused Rebuilding:
Zirkzee is just 23—Inter are staking their future on youth and growth, not short-term solutions.
2. Tactical Evolution:
A dynamic striker capable of link-up play alongside Martinez/Thuram gives Simone Inzaghi new attacking options .
3. Statement of Trust:
A seven-year deal sends a message: Inter plan to win—but build smartly.
4. Rival Moves in Disarray:
Juventus, Milan, Arsenal, United—all sniffed interest, but Inter are placing the winning bid ().
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Fan & Media Buzz: Reactions Already Rolling In
- Zanetti’s Praise: “Physically strong, tactical… perfect for a great team aiming high” .
- Milan Rivalry: Rossoneri insiders confirmed interest, but Inter’s package—and swagger—won the day .
- Supporter Chatter: Enthusiasm mixed with skepticism about agent commission drama—“Agents are parasites” goes some fan sentiment .
But the overarching tone? Inter showed up with ambition and strategy.
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What Happens Next: The Monday Medical
A full day is booked at clinic for Zirkzee’s tests. If he passes—expect dramatic arrivals in Milan, full unveiling at Appiano Gentile or San Siro, and Simultaneous press blitz.
— Stage 1: Medical
— Stage 2: Official presentation (perhaps with “Zirkzee Day” hype)
— Stage 3: Inaugural training session, photo ops, fanfare
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Final Take: A Blockbuster in the Making?
Is this transfer an overreach—or pure genius?
Best-case scenario: Zirkzee grows into a lethal #9, justifying a multi-million outlay, zest for team play making him a fan favorite, and Milan sights dimmed for years to come.
Worst-case scenario: Commission-heavy deal becomes burdensome, injuries strike, or he fails to adapt tactically.
But if Inter are betting big, they’re betting on modern football economics: locking in talent early, molding identity players, and capitalizing on long-term ROI.
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Final Thoughts: Monday Could Change Everything
Come Monday morning, when Zirkzee walks into that medical, Inter fans—and Serie A—will be on notice. A 23-year-old striker, set for seven years of legacy-making in Nerazzurri blue and black—it’s a story with all the makings of modern football folklore.
Expect:
- Titular headlines from Milan to Manchester
- Press speculation on his role vs. Martinez/Thuram
- Insight pieces on how Inter financed/unlocked the deal
And—most importantly—the start of Joshua Zirkzee’s Inter Milan era. Will he become the next icon, or a cautionary tale of ambition?
Want even more? Just ask:
- 🗓️ Tactical preview on how Zirkzee fits into Inzaghi’s system
- 📝 Contract deep-dive on incentives & release clauses
- 📊 Transfer comparo: Zirkzee vs. previous Inter signings
But right now? Sit tight, because Monday’s medical could rewrite Inter’s future—for seven years.
