Joshua Zirkzee is ‘in talks’ to join a Premier League team in a surprising last-minute move.
Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly in talks about leaving Manchester United, but he could stay in the Premier League, according to reports.
Zirkzee is still a United player but has struggled to make an impact since joining from Bologna in 2024. The Dutch forward has scored only nine goals in 75 appearances and missed out on the Netherlands’ World Cup squad this summer due to his form.
Though he’s starting the new season with United, he probably won’t be there for long. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared that while Italian clubs have shown interest, Aston Villa has also reached out to United about Zirkzee.
This potential move depends on Villa’s situation with striker Ollie Watkins, who is a target for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Romano explained, “There have been calls from Italian clubs and just a call from Aston Villa. Villa’s interest is linked to Al Hilal’s pursuit of Ollie Watkins.”
Villa, who recently won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League, have seen several key players leave recently. Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea for a record £117 million, Youri Tielemans joined United after his £35 million release clause was triggered, Lucas Digne returned to PSG, and Ezri Konsa went to Arsenal for £55 million.
Watkins has had four offers from Al Hilal, with Villa rejecting a recent bid of around £45 million. However, the Saudi club is expected to keep trying to sign him. Watkins will miss Villa’s first game against Brighton, as he has missed training, and coach Unai Emery admitted there may be more offers.
Emery said, “We have an issue with him. He’s our player, and we’ve had offers. I don’t want to sell him, but if it’s good for him, the club, and the team, it could happen. Ollie is a fantastic striker, and if he stays, he will keep playing well. If he leaves, it will be a good solution for everyone.”
Watkins has scored 108 goals for Villa, who now have Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo as striking options. They have also signed Joao Gomes from Wolves, Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid, and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Suzuki’s arrival might mean Emiliano Martinez will leave. He was close to joining Juventus, but the clubs couldn’t agree on a fee.