- Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd future in doubt
- Robert Lewandowski should be on the Reds’ radar
- Iconic striker is leaving Barcelona
It looks increasingly likely that Joshua Zirkzee’s days at Manchester United are numbered amid a dissapointing spell. The Dutch forward joined the club from Bologna in the summer of 2024.
Zirkzee had caught the eye during his time in Italy, helping fire the Serie A club to UEFA Champions League qualification. United were impressed and agreed on a £36.5m deal to bring him to Old Trafford.
It’s fair to say that the 24-year-old has failed to live up to expectations, and as a result, his future is in doubt. He’s managed just two goals and one assist in 22 league games this season.
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Man Utd Must Sign Lewandowski
Reports claim that Zirkzee could be sold and a new frontman may arrive this summer. Ideally, the transfer chiefs wouldn’t want to spend big on a potential replacement, especially with all the focus on a midfield rebuild.
The solution could be Robert Lewandowski who has confirmed that he is leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. His contract expires and he will become a free agent at the age of 37.
Lewandowski’s best days are undoubtedly behind him but he has still been prolific for the Catalans. The iconic Pole has bagged 13 goals in 29 games across competitions and that’s a similar output to that of Benjamin Sesko.
United will head into next season with Sesko leading the line ahead of a return to the UEFA Champions League. But with more games to play, there is a need to ensure Michael Carrick has a strong enough squad to thrive in all competitions.
Bringing Lewandowski to Old Trafford and selling Zirkzee must be considered by INEOS. Sesko can learn from the Pole, who does boast similarities to the Slovenian in his strength and clinical finishing.
Moving for the former Bayern Munich striker on a free allows the higher-ups to address other areas of Carrick’s squad. While he’ll likely ask for a handsome salary, it can’t be much more than the £350,000-per-week wage.
Marcus Rashford could be key
Ironically, Marcus Rashford could play a crucial role in United’s attempt to sign Lewandowski. The United forward has spent the season on loan at Barca and is eager to make the move permanent.
Rashford sat on around £300,000 per week before he moved to Camp Nou last summer. He’s another player whose hefty wages be off the books if sold.
The Catalans are yet to take up the £26m buy option in the loan agreement but such a fee will only further improve the transfer budget. Attracting Lewandowski to Old Trafford could pose obstacles, such as securing game time and negotiating contract terms.
That said, it’s inconceivable that such a legendary striker has never played in the Premier League. Now is his last opportunity and to do so at a club that tried signing him before he joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund in 2014.
