Manchester United player, frustrated by lack of opportunities, seeks a second chance in the Italian league.
Joshua Zirkzee appears to have an uncertain future at Manchester United. According to a report in the British newspaper The Sun, the striker is considering leaving the Red Devils next summer. The 24-year-old is not happy with his role on the team and, due to his limited playing time, is increasingly thinking about a change of scenery.
Zirkzee transferred to Manchester in the summer of 2024 from Bologna, a team in the Italian first division. United paid more than €40 million for the former FC Bayern Munich youth player, whose transfer contributed €20 million to the German champion's coffers thanks to an exorbitant sell-on clause. The expectations placed on the striker were very high, but so far, he has not managed to establish himself sustainably at Old Trafford.
In the current Premier League season, the Dutchman has rarely started. He has started only four times and has scored two goals in 18 league games. In most cases, he has had to settle for being a substitute or staying completely on the bench. With the current coaching staff, the striker barely gets playing time.
According to The Sun, Zirkwee had already considered a move during the winter transfer window to accumulate more playing time. However, the potential exit did not materialize, as the club's management halted talks about it. Several Serie A clubs, including Juventus and AS Roma, had previously inquired about his situation.
In the summer, this could change dramatically. Manchester United reportedly plans to make further changes to the squad to make it Champions League-ready. The sale of Zirkzee could generate additional income and give the club financial breathing room.
According to reports, United is planning a spectacular double signing to bring in Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. Costing around €200 million.
Meanwhile, for the Netherlands international, one thing takes precedence above all else: playing regularly. If his situation at Manchester does not improve, a move in the summer could become a realistic option. A return to Italy remains a possible scenario.
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