Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee appears ready to call time on his challenging stint at Old Trafford, with Serie A giants Juventus keen on bringing the Dutch forward to Turin during the January transfer window.
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna last summer for a hefty £38 million fee. Despite high expectations, the move has not gone as planned. The Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford has been plagued by inconsistent performances and mounting pressure from fans.
The 22-year-old forward faced a particularly tough moment during a Premier League clash at Old Trafford, where he was substituted in the first half as United trailed by two goals. The crowd’s reaction cheering his early exit highlighted the growing frustration among supporters.
Although the Red Devils faithful tried to show support during the subsequent game at Anfield by chanting Zirkzee’s name, his future at the club remains uncertain.
Reports suggest that Zirkzee is eager to reunite with Juventus manager Thiago Motta, under whom he thrived at Bologna before making the switch to England. Motta’s attacking philosophy could provide the striker with a chance to rediscover his form and confidence.
Juventus, meanwhile, are seeking offensive reinforcements as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. However, financial constraints mean the Italian club is exploring a loan deal with an option to buy rather than a permanent transfer upfront.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged Zirkzee’s challenging situation but stopped short of ruling out a potential departure.
“I want to keep Josh Zirkzee because he gives everything. He is trying in training, but we don’t know what will happen. The window is open, so we’ll see,” Amorim said after United’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Discussions between the two clubs center on the transfer formula. Juventus are pushing for an initial loan deal with an option to buy, while Manchester United prefer an obligation-to-buy clause to ensure a guaranteed sale.
With Juventus also needing to address defensive reinforcements, the Bianconeri may find it difficult to meet United’s demands. However, Zirkzee’s openness to the move could accelerate negotiations.
The January transfer window remains open, leaving room for both parties to find common ground. For Zirkzee, a move to Juventus could mark a fresh start and a chance to reignite his career. For Manchester United, offloading the striker could provide much-needed financial flexibility as they look to rebuild their squad during a challenging campaign.
