Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United could already be nearing its end, with reports suggesting that the Dutch striker is open to leaving Old Trafford after a difficult start to life in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old, who joined United from Bologna for a hefty £36.5 million last summer, has failed to justify his price tag thus far, with his form in England leaving much to be desired. In a significant development, sources from Italy are now linking Zirkzee with a potential return to Serie A, where he could reunite with former manager Thiago Motta at Juventus.
The striker’s struggles at United have been well-documented, with Zirkzee scoring just once since his debut match against Fulham, a game in which he netted the match-winner. Since that bright start, his form has significantly dropped, with no further goals in his subsequent 16 appearances. This has led to increased speculation about his future, and reports indicate that the pressure of playing at a club like Manchester United is becoming too much for him to bear. According to Calciomercato, Zirkzee is now “open to a change of scenery,” with Juventus reportedly keen on securing his services as early as the summer of 2025.
The Serie A giants are said to be considering Zirkzee as a potential replacement for their star striker Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires in 2026. If Vlahovic does not sign an extension, Juventus could look to cash in on the Serbian striker at the end of this season. Zirkzee, who was previously managed by Motta during his time at Bologna, is reportedly on the club’s radar as a viable option. Juventus would prefer a loan deal with an obligation to buy, a structure that suits their transfer strategy, especially as they continue to plan for the future.
However, this potential move to Juventus is not without its complications. Reports from Tuttosport suggest that new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is not convinced by Zirkzee’s qualities, labeling the Dutchman as an “inadequate” fit for the team. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, is expected to have a significant influence on player decisions, and his stance on Zirkzee could ultimately dictate the striker’s future. While Zirkzee’s wages—£105,000 per week—are not seen as a major hurdle for Juventus, his lack of impact in the Premier League may make a loan move the most likely option for the Italian club.
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Zirkzee’s situation at United is further complicated by the club’s growing interest in Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker currently plying his trade at Sporting CP. Gyokeres’ impressive form in Portugal has reportedly caught the attention of United, with Amorim said to be keen on strengthening his attacking options in the upcoming transfer windows. However, Amorim has made it clear that he will not raid his former club for players in January, with any potential move for Gyokeres likely to occur in the summer. This could push Zirkzee further down the pecking order at Old Trafford, making a move to Juventus even more appealing for the striker.
Zirkzee’s time at United has been a tale of missed opportunities. The striker has shown glimpses of his technical ability, particularly in link-up play, but his lack of consistency and failure to find the back of the net regularly have made it difficult for him to settle into the Premier League. His languid style of play, while effective in Serie A, has been less suited to the frenetic pace of English football. Former manager Fabio Capello noted the stark contrast between Zirkzee’s performances in Italy and his struggles in England, emphasizing that the Dutchman is unable to operate at the speed required in the Premier League.
Despite his technical talent and physical presence—standing at 6ft 4in—Zirkzee has struggled with the intensity of the Premier League, failing to make an impact in key matches, including United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. In that match, Zirkzee was unable to win any of his 10 ground or aerial duels, a worrying statistic for a player of his size and build. His inability to impose himself on the game in such crucial moments has led to questions about his mental toughness and ability to cope with the demands of top-tier football.
While Zirkzee’s deficiencies in front of goal have been highlighted, his technical ability is still regarded as a strength. His preferred role is as a “9.5,” operating just off a central striker, and it’s possible that a tactical shift could benefit his game. Some have suggested that a pairing with Rasmus Hojlund in a two-striker system could allow Zirkzee to showcase his skills more effectively. However, this would require a more fluid attacking setup, with players who are comfortable on the ball and capable of linking up with Zirkzee outside the box.
The ongoing speculation surrounding Zirkzee’s future has become a hot topic among United fans and pundits alike. Many are questioning whether the striker will ever be able to live up to his £36.5 million price tag, especially with the growing interest in Gyokeres, who may arrive as a more suitable fit for the club’s current needs. The arrival of Amorim, who is known for his tactical flexibility and focus on youth development, could ultimately determine whether Zirkzee’s United career is a short-lived one.
As United look ahead to the January transfer window, Amorim is expected to have a significant say in the club’s transfer strategy. With links to Gyokeres and other potential reinforcements, it remains to be seen whether Zirkzee will remain part of the manager’s plans or whether the club will seek to offload him in the near future. His potential departure to Juventus could be a defining moment in his career, and while a return to Serie A could provide him with a fresh start, it’s unclear whether he can replicate the form that once made him one of the most promising young talents in Europe.
Ultimately, the next few months will be critical for Zirkzee. The striker has shown flashes of quality but has yet to prove himself as a reliable goalscorer in one of Europe’s toughest leagues. With Amorim looking to build a competitive squad at United, Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford looks uncertain, and a move to Juventus could be the fresh start he needs to rediscover his form and fulfill his potential. For Manchester United, it’s another example of the club’s ongoing struggles in the transfer market, with the jury still out on many of their recent acquisitions.