Joshua Zirkzee will almost certainly leave Manchester United this summer. Multiple clubs in Serie A have been credited with interest in the Dutchman, although none of them have been keen enough to actually spend money.
AS Roma were repeatedly linked throughout the January window. At that time, Manchester United wanted a permanent transfer, or at least the guarantee of such at the end of a loan.
There’s no reason why the stance at Old Trafford should have changed. The fee for an exit may be a little lower, though. Zirkzee signed for Manchester United for around €40m in July 2024.
Assuming that figure is being amortised over his five year contract, United have €24m left on the accounts. They wouldn’t accept less than that, and Italian clubs have their own ideas.
Juventus want to copy Barcelona
Ricky Massara was sporting director at AS Roma when they tried to sign Joshua Zirkzee. He’s trying again, this time for Juventus.
Monday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport reports Juventus want a loan with an option to buy. The Italian newspaper explains Juve are keen to copy the loan move which saw Marcus Rashford move to Barcelona.
That’s a great plan for Juventus, but not so much for Manchester United.
All the upside and none of the downside
Juventus would get the player for a season, and then have a maximum amount to pay next summer. There’d be absolutely no risk on their behalf regarding paying the final amount.
Marcus Rashford did well enough at Barcelona for them to use their €30m clause, but it became apparent they’d never had any intention of doing so.
Even if Joshua Zirkzee got back in form at Juventus, they’d almost certainly look to negotiate the clause down anyway. Should the 25-year-old flop again, and this time in Italy, then Manchester United would see his value drop further.
It’s the sort of desperation deal which should only be considered in the final week of the window, when all other avenues have been explored.
Sportwitness
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