Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career has hit a rough patch, with the Dutch striker struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s style of play. This situation has caught the attention of several Italian clubs, with Juventus leading the race for a potential January move.
Tuttosport report how Zirkzee, who was expected to follow in the footsteps of Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, has found himself on the fringes of the United squad. His playing style, which thrived under Thiago Motta at Bologna, hasn’t translated well to the fast-paced English game.
Juventus see this as an opportunity to strengthen their attack. With Arkadiusz Milik still recovering from knee surgery, the Bianconeri are in need of a backup for Dusan Vlahovic. The tight Serie A standings have fueled Juventus’ ambition to bolster their squad.
Under Motta at Bologna, Zirkzee excelled as a “nine and a half,” showcasing his ability to link play and create space for teammates. However, these qualities haven’t been as effective in the Premier League, where a more direct style is often preferred.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where even Dutch manager Erik ten Hag couldn’t unlock Zirkzee’s potential. The striker has started only four games since late September, leading to growing frustration among fans and harsh criticism from the English tabloids.
Manchester United, having invested €43 million in Zirkzee, are now considering a loan move in January to help the player regain form and potentially increase his value. This aligns with the plans of new manager Ruben Amorim, who reportedly doesn’t see Zirkzee fitting into his system.
Juventus is keen to facilitate this move, viewing Zirkzee’s €3.5 million net salary as manageable for a six-month loan. The Italian giants believe they can revitalize the Dutch striker’s career and potentially secure a valuable asset for their attack.
