Joshua Zirkzee, the struggling forward from Manchester United, is reportedly seeking a move away from his current team to reunite with his former coach Thiago Motta at Juventus.
Zirkzee, 23, has managed to net only once in 18 appearances since his £36.5 million transfer from Bologna last summer.
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Credit: Getty
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Credit: Alamy
The Dutch striker has faced difficulties in securing a regular position in United’s starting lineup under different managers, including Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy, with new manager Ruben Amorim voicing his concerns after last week’s critiques.
According to La Gazzetta, Zirkzee is considering a return to Italy as early as January.
Before his tenure at Old Trafford, the forward netted 14 goals in 53 matches for Bologna.
Though not particularly prolific, Zirkzee was recognized for his playmaking abilities, aiding Bologna in achieving a Champions League spot last season.
During his two-year stint at the club, he was mentored by former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and PSG player Motta, who is currently at the helm at Juventus.
Reports suggest that Zirkzee is eager to join Motta in Turin in the coming year.
Juventus is reportedly eager to wrap up a deal following their unbeaten run in Serie A.
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The club aims to arrange a loan agreement with United for the remainder of the season, with a possibility for discussions regarding a permanent transfer next summer.
Ruben Amorim moved by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt
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Credit: Getty
For United to agree to such a transfer, they will likely need to secure a replacement first.
The club’s recent transfer maneuvers have been constrained by PSR and FFP regulations.
This suggests that United might only be able to pursue a temporary striker, which is a challenging feat in the current market environment.
Regardless, Amorim’s dissatisfaction with Zirkzee’s performance could pave the way for him to seek a player of his choosing.
Following his debut match as manager, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, Amorim voiced his concerns regarding Zirkzee’s grasp of the No9 role.
Amorim remarked: “Decision-making is crucial; at this level, players shouldn’t require specialized coaching for basic skills. You must maintain possession and know when to advance the ball. In critical situations, particularly late in the game, Josh should be positioned for potential crosses.”
Ten Hag’s Man Utd Signings
Since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022, the Dutch manager has added 21 players to the squad.
2022-23:
Antony, (Ajax) £86m
Casemiro, (Real Madrid) £70m
Lisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46m
Tyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13m
Christian Eriksen, (Brentford) free
Martin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loan
Wout Weghorst, (Burnley) loan
Jack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loan
Marcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan
2023-24:
Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72m
Mason Mount, (Chelsea) £60m
Andre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47m
Sofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loan
Altay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3m
Jonny Evans, (Leicester) free
Sergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan
2024-25:
Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52m
Manuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50m
Matthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45m
Joshua Zirkzee, (Bologna) £36.5m
Noussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m
