DailySun
Joshua Zirkzee, the struggling player from Manchester United, is said to be exploring options to leave his current club in pursuit of a reunion with his former manager, Thiago Motta, at Juventus.
Zirkzee, 23, has scored just once in 18 appearances since his £36.5 million move from Bologna last summer.
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Credit: Getty
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Credit: Alamy
The Dutch striker has struggled to find regular playing time in United’s starting line-up under several coaches, including Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy, while new manager Ruben Amorim has also shown his displeasure following last week’s critique.
According to La Gazzetta, Zirkzee is contemplating a return to Italy as early as January.
Before his stint at Old Trafford, the forward scored 14 goals in 53 games while with Bologna.
Though not highly prolific, Zirkzee was appreciated for his ability to connect play, helping Bologna secure a Champions League position in the previous season.
During his two years at the club, he was managed by former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and PSG player Motta, who is now at the helm of Juventus.
Reports suggest that Zirkzee is eager to make the move to Turin and reunite with Motta next year.
Juventus is reportedly eager to finalize negotiations following their ongoing unbeaten run in Serie A.
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The club aims to arrange a loan agreement with United for the rest of the season, with potential discussions about 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 accept such a transfer, they may need to identify a replacement beforehand.
The club’s recent transfer activities have been constrained by PSR and FFP rules.
This suggests that United might only be able to target a temporary forward, a challenging endeavor in the current market.
Regardless, Amorim’s dissatisfaction with Zirkzee’s performances could open a door for him to acquire a player of his choice.
After his debut as manager, a 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Amorim voiced his concerns regarding Zirkzee’s grasp of the No9 role.
Amorim remarked: “Decision-making is vital; players at this level shouldn’t require specialized coaching on the fundamentals. You need to maintain possession and know when to advance the ball. During crucial moments, particularly late in the match, Josh should be positioned to receive crosses.”
Ten Hag’s Man Utd Signings
Since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022, the Dutch manager has added 21 players to the team.
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
