Man Utd star wants to leave the club in the last days of the transfer window
Manchester United has made some smart signings this summer, and their work might not be over yet. The team is looking to support head coach Michael Carrick as he starts his first full season in charge. However, some players may not be needed anymore, or they might want more game time elsewhere.
One of the players likely to leave is striker Joshua Zirkzee, who hasn’t quite met expectations since coming to England. Reports from Italy say the 25-year-old wants to return to Serie A, where he first made a name for himself. He has several clubs interested, but his top choice is the big club Juventus in Turin.
According to Corriere dello Sport, “The Dutch striker is eager to come back to Italy and has a direct line to Juventus management.” Manchester United is willing to loan him out and is already thinking about other players for his spot. The clubs are discussing a loan deal that could include an option or obligation to buy. The good relationship between the teams means a move wouldn’t be a problem.
Zirkzee, who is also watched by Napoli, hopes to join Juventus soon and is waiting for their final decision. His move might depend on Juventus selling Canadian striker Jonathan David, who joined just last season.
Zirkzee started his career at Bayern Munich and spent some time on loan in Serie A before playing two years at Bologna. In his second season there, he scored 11 goals in 34 league games, catching Manchester United’s attention. They paid around £36.5 million for him, but he struggled with a tough team situation and changes in management.
He did score the first goal of the 2024-25 Premier League season for United in their opener against Fulham, but has only scored four league goals since. While he has scored when the team played to his strengths, he seems to be a bit out of place in United’s current attack.
Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the striker line when he recovers from a shin injury. Marcus Rashford is also coming back after 20 months and will be a great partner to Matheus Cunha on the left. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are strong options on the right.
United return to the Champions League this season and start their Premier League journey with an away game against newly promoted Hull City on Saturday afternoon. Their first home game is at the end of August against Ipswich Town. By then, Zirkzee hopes to be playing for a new club to give his career a fresh boost.