The Dutch forward’s underwhelming Old Trafford tenure nears its end as the Bianconeri negotiate a Serie A return to revive the striker's once-promising technical flair.
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Joshua Zirkzee's Manchester United career has been largely disappointing for both fans and the player. The Dutchman joined United in the summer of 2024, in a deal which generated a lot of hype as the forward was coming off the back of an impressive season for Bologna in Serie A.
However, two seasons and three managers later, the 25-year-old finds himself being low in the pecking order for the Red Devil's attacking options and has seemed destined for a move back to Italy since January.
Zirkzee has all the physical attributes of an attacker who should've been suited to the Premier League, but technically he let himself down, and was bullied in many games despite his height.
The attacker still has time left to reinvent his career, and a return to the Serie A could be the perfect place to do so, and if a deal can be made it would be at the benefit of both club and player.
Juventus exploring free loan deal for Zirkzee
Juventus are reportedly the team closest to signing the United forward, and their plans for the move have been revealed by the Gazzetta dello Sport. Zirkzee has already expressed his willingness to join Juve, and it is now down to clubs to reach an agreement.
United are hoping to secure a deal that will offload the attacker, which has encouraged Juve officials, who are looking to let go of a few of their own forwards. The Old Lady's ideal scenario is to replicate a loan deal similar to Marcus Rashford's to Barcelona last season.
Securing the Dutchman on a free loan deal without an obligation to buy gives the Italian side the upper hand in the deal, but these terms would likely be rejected by United, who would be looking to secure a permanent move away from the club for Zirkzee once the loan ends.
To get a deal over the line, both clubs will have to compromise in certain areas, and a realistic scenario could see Juve agreeing to an obligation to buy if Zirkzee plays a certain number of games for a reduced fee, or something similar.
Frustrated by a difficult stint at Old Trafford, the Dutch forward eyes a return to Serie A as United weigh vital sales to fund a desperate search for reinforcements.roundtable.ioJoshua Zirkzee's Ideal Destination Revealed Amid Transfer Rumours
Frustrated by a difficult stint at Old Trafford, the Dutch forward eyes a return to Serie A as United weigh vital sales to fund a desperate search for reinforcements.
United cannot be bullied by Juventus
Despite the player's willingness to leave the club and pressure from fans who want to see Zirkzee depart Old Trafford, it is important that United's higher-ups secure the best possible deal for the 25-year-old.
The forward's career as a Red Devil has been largely lacklustre, but he could still turn out to be a valuable asset to another club, if they can get the best out of him.
The worst case scenario for United would be to let Zirkzee go for a reduced fee, and then go on to watch him flourish for Juventus who would be delighted with the bargain deal for the striker.
United will have to hold firm until they can agree a deal on terms that suit them, setting the precedent that they are no longer a club to be messed around with and no longer sell players for half of their value due to external pressures.