The evolving landscape surrounding Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer situation is questionable. The future of Joshua at Manchester United is uncertain. Serie A club, Napoli has reportedly included Zirkzee in their shortlist. This is followed by Romelu Lukaku’s injury. They are currently again in the market for a replacement. Zirkzee is one of the names currently circulating in the transfer window this summer.
Who is Joshua Zirkzee?
Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee (born 22 May 2001) is a Netherlands international centre-forward. He is currently playing for Manchester United and the Dutch national team . Being 1.93 m tall, the 24-year-old has a strong physical presence and versatility in attacking roles. He has often played as a shadow striker or poacher . He describes himself as a 9.5, neither 9 nor 10. His senior career began at Bayern Munich, followed by loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht. Zirkzee made a move to Bologna in 2022 where he impressed with 13 goals in 53 Serie A appearances. In July 2024, he joined Manchester United for a deal of 36.5 million Pounds(approx 42.5 million Euros) on a five-year contract . He had played 32 league matches for United last season, scoring 3 league goals. He managed a total of 7 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions during the 2024–25 season.
3. Current Situation around Zirkzee:
Recent reports say that Italian club Napoli, finding players upfront. After Romelu Lukaku suffered an injury in a preseason friendly, the Serie A giants are exploring a move for Zirkzee . Italian sources including Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Napoli are among several options being considered by Manchester United for the forward . Transfer-tracking outlets note that Antonio Conte is personally keen on bringing Zirkzee. The Italian manager is an admirer of the 24-year-old. Inspite of these, Manchester United appear reluctant to entertain a permanent sale .
TalkSPORT reports that Joshua will stay, while Rasmus is more likely to move towards Italy. Hojlund is seen as a potential candidate of transfer in the United hierarchy. Zirkzee is seen as more important and deserving player of another chance under Amorim. Another report came that Inter Milan wanted both Zirkzee and Hojlund. But the English club remains reluctant to part ways with Zirkzee.
According to TransferFeed, United have no plans to sell him. They have strong intention to retain Zirkzee beyond the current campaign. Transfer-focused platforms also mention interest from other Serie A clubs like Atalanta, though these remain just rumours at this stage.
4. Zirkzee and Manchester United’s Decision:
Manchester United’s current position is clear. Despite external interest (Napoli specially) the club does not want to sell Joshua Zirkzee this summer. Manchester United board and manager Ruben Amorim value Zirkzee highly. They invested more than €42 million in his transfer deal. The club sees him as part of their plans. The movements of Napoli and other interested clubs are being monitored. But there are no indication of a serious offer or concrete negotiations going on with any club. The strategy seems to be to keep Zirkzee as part of their attacking options. While the situation will be monitored only if substantive offers emerge. But for now, the club’s stance remains firm- Not for Sale.
Zirkzee sees himself to be a part of this club for a long period of time. The Dutch international was not present in United’s Preseason tour. Amorim wants him despite keeping him on the bench against Arsenal in Premier League.
Author’s Insight:
The possibility of Zirkzee not wearing Manchester United shirt seems to be very less. A move to Italy has already been cancelled as of now. It is more likely that Rasmus Hojlund will secure a move- whether be a loan or permanent deal. Transfer window is coming to the end. Any move for Zirkzee will be a shock at this moment.
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