- Joshua Zirkzee could leave Manchester United
- Juventus showing interest
- Dutch attacker struggling for game time
Manchester United are reportedly planning to sell Joshua Zirkzee. The lack of game time has pushed the Dutchman to consider his options, and he has received interest from the Italian giants.
The Red Devils’ priority is finding at least one new midfielder to replace the departing Casemiro. But they might be on the lookout for a new frontman should Zirkzee indeed depart.
Zirkzee joined the English side from Bologna in the summer of 2025 for £36.5m, but his performances have not been as expected. He has made just four starts this season and scored nine goals in 69 appearances throughout his Old Trafford spell.
Juve Keen on Zirkzee
According to TEAMtalk, Juventus have been long-term admirers of the 24-year-old. United have informed Zirkzee’s camp that they will not stand in the way if he wishes to leave.
The Red Devils are very clear that they are looking to make a profit on the striker they signed for just over £35 million in 2024. Whether the Italian giants are willing to pay a fee above this is unknown.
Zirkzee could be eager to return to Serie A to get his career back on track. He caught the eye during his time at Bologna, posting 14 goals in 58 games.
While the Dutchman’s exit might be imminent, United could use him in a swap deal. Roma, Atalanta, and Como have also shown interest, meaning Juventus is not alone among Serie A sides.
The Old Lady are looking to add attacking options despite progress on a new deal for star striker Dusan Vlahovic. With Italy the likely destination he could still head elsewhere than Turin.
Mirror has reported that United might still be interested in Atlanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Long linked with the English side, the Brazilian now enters the final year of his contract and could arrive at Old Trafford with Zirkzee going in the opposite direction.
Reports say Casemiro is leaving, and Manuel Ugarte is also expected to head out. This means Ederson could be in the long list of midfielders to fill in for Manchester United. However, if the Reds are pursuing the player, they could face heavy competition from Atletico Madrid.
Man United’s Crucial Summer
Under Carrick, Manchester United have been excelling, and positive results have Champions League qualification in their sights. With the gap between the Premier League leaders Arsenal and Manchester City still vast, INEOS is desperate to move the club in the right direction.
United first need to sort out the managerial situation for which Carrick is the frontunner, but there will be other options. Whatever the choice, the club should act quickly.
The next vital task should be to keep Bruno Fernandes at the Theatre of Dreams. Even though the Portuguese playmaker’s contract doesn’t expire until 2027, there should not be even the slightest chance of him departing anytime soon.
As a return to the Champions League approaches, players will earn 25% more in wages. So, INEOS will need to address this by potentially moving on players surplus to requirements and, in turn, reducing wage bills and recouping funds.
Finally, squad depth, having multiple underperformers leave, won’t be helpful. Which means the last act is the most costly affair, bringing in quality players. Trying to achieve this in just one window may seem unrealistic, but it can’t be overlooked.
