Joshua Zirkzee’s career has gone downhill since he joined Manchester United. He’s now been backed to find a new club as soon as possible.
The Dutchman sometimes wasn’t even viewed as a back-up striker by Michael Carrick in the second half of last season . The Englishman used Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo, when Benjamin Sesko wasn’t starting.
This came right after Sport Witness closely covered AS Roma’s attempts to sign Zirkzee. While a deal never took off, it is Juventus who are trying to sign the player on an initial loan.
Contact has been made, with Manchester United having opened up to his temporary exit this time around.
Former coach desperate for Zirkzee’s exit
The attacker’s youth coach Ferry Verbeek spoke to TuttoJuve about his student and the situation at Manchester United.
He said Juventus should sign the striker, and the move would suit him well.
“I’d almost say it’s bound to happen! He’s at the peak of his maturity; Juventus would be a better fit for him than Manchester United!
“If he can’t do it at his next club, reaching the top will become increasingly difficult. And that would be a shame, because he has the ideal foundation to become a top-level footballer.”
Verbeek also clarified that even if Zirkzee doesn’t exactly suit Luciano Spalletti’s system, his versatility will come in handy.
“Yes, but Joshua can play in any attacking position. He could even play as an attacking midfielder if he wanted to, because he can protect the ball and has the right eye for providing excellent assists.”
The coach, who worked with Zirkzee at V. V. Hekelingen, also noted that Mancester United’s own problems haven’t helped the player.
“So many factors come into play that it’s difficult to say, but the coach plays a key role: confidence and playing time can really give you wings. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen here.”
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|Premier League 2025/26|||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Appearances|24||||
|Started|5||||
|Minutes per game|28||||
|Total minutes played|666||||
|Goals|2||||
|Assists|1||||
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Our take: Player should actively seek transfer
Joshua Zirkzee has dropped so much he isn’t even on the fringes of the Netherlands squad. That says everything about his situation and this should push him to actively seek a transfer.
Although he has regularly signalled intentions of returning to Italy, the player has never asked for a transfer.
Even if Manchester United are now open to a loan, it doesn’t guarantee a move to Juve. The Red Devils would ideally like to do a deal on their own terms, especially as Juve are yet to part ways with Jonathan David.
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.