Manchester United are open to accepting new offers for Joshua Zirkzee.
The 25-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Bologna for €42.5m in the summer of 2024. He scored on his debut but has been unable to nail down a regular spot since then. The same has continued under Michael Carrick as well. Now with the new season approaching and a number of attacking options upfront, he has been left with a frustrating bench-warming role.
Joshua Zirkzee made 24 Premier League appearances last season, but just five of those came from the start. Only one of those starts came under Carrick. Despite that, he has impressed the manager with his pre-season performances and is still highly regarded at Old Trafford. However, he is not expected to play a regular role in the manager’s plans for the upcoming season, and the Red Devils are now prepared to let him move on.
Premier League and Serie A clubs circling
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that a number of Premier League clubs are interested and would benefit from signing Zirkzee.
Everton are still among his admirers, having first considered signing him during last summer’s transfer window. Brown explained the situation: “It’s an interesting one with Joshua Zirkzee, I think he will be one to watch. I’ve seen positive signs from him in pre-season, he’s still showing that work rate and desire which has always placed him pretty high in my estimations personally.”
“From what I hear, Man United do rate him highly as well, but there is a feeling that he’s not going to have a part to play under Michael Carrick. If that is the case, then they’ll be looking to raise money by selling him, because he’s still a good player and they could get a good fee. I’m sure Premier League clubs are keen on him, because they have shown an interest in the past and he is definitely capable of playing at this level, just not for Man United.”
United prefer permanent sale over loan
Manchester United would prefer to sell him permanently rather than entertaining loan offers. There is interest from Italy too. A number of Serie A sides, including Juventus and Roma, have been linked with Zirkzee.
La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Juventus are interested in a loan deal, potentially with an option to buy, but are not in a position to offer a permanent transfer at this stage of the season.
What does Marcus Rashford’s return mean to Joshua Zirkzee
Marcus Rashford’s return to the squad will be key for those linked with Zirkzee. Rashford’s presence as a potential attacking option makes it easier for United to let the Dutchman leave. Zirkzee has scored nine goals and provided four assists from 75 appearances across all competitions during his last two seasons with Manchester United. He has struggled to score with any kind of regularity, which has ultimately cost him his place in Carrick’s plans.
With the window still open, Zirkzee’s future is one to watch. Although United want a permanent move, a loan move back to Serie A can’t be ruled out either.
