Joshua Zirkzee could be set for a move away from Manchester United, despite Rúben Amorim’s earlier stance on the forward after his performances this season
Joshua Zirzkee reportedly had a deal to leave Manchester United already agreed at the start of May, with a move to Juventus looking likely for the 2025/26 season.
The Dutchman would’ve joined the Italian club on loan with an option to buy, but Rúben Amorim reportedly changed his mind on Zirkzee, with reports saying that the Portuguese manager wants to use him next season.
This came after Zirkzee’s impressive run of form before his injury against Newcastle United, meaning Rasmus Hojlund became Amorim’s undisputed starting striker, with just Chido Obi to compete with in the Premier League.
When Zirkzee pulled his hamstring against Newcastle, Amorim said the fans’ reaction was “very important” because it showed how appreciated the former Bayern Munich player had become.
Despite travelling to Asia, Zirkzee didn’t take part in either of United’s post-season tour fixtures, even after appearing off the bench in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Zirkzee could be involved in Osimhen deal
Gazzetta dello Sport have now reported that Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team may look to use Zirkzee as part of a swap deal for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Al Hilal appeared to be the front runners for Osimhen’s signature, but United’s reported interest in the striker “convinced” the Nigerian to reject the offer from Saudi Arabia and stay in Europe, with several Premier League clubs interested.
Osimhen has a £63 million release clause for clubs outside of Italy, leading to Juventus pulling out of the race for the striker, as they were priced out of a deal.
Although Gazzetta dello Sport claim that United would be open to using Zirkzee to facilitate a move for Osimhen, previous reports have made it clear that Amorim himself wants to “relaunch” the player next season at Old Trafford after a turbulent first campaign for the striker.
Striker signing is a must this summer
Signing a world-class centre forward could be difficult for United next season, especially with no Champions League football to offer, but signing a new striker will be crucial for any success Amorim has at the club.
United’s young attack, featuring Højlund, Obi, and Zirkzee, will continue to struggle in front of goal until they have an experienced goalscorer to learn from, allowing them to adjust their game and get into better positions.
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Signing an experienced No. 9, such as Osimhen or Viktor Gyökeres, could help improve United’s current striking options, while not sacrificing the team’s performances as they lose games because they struggle to convert easy chances.
Towards the end of last season, Amorim’s side created more xG than Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham, but they lost both games and failed to score, despite playing at Old Trafford. An experienced centre forward would help United turn these types of losses into wins next season.
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