Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee Seeks Exit After 16 Appearances: Report

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has expressed his desire to exit the club, despite having only joined in the summer.

Zirkzee made the move to the Red Devils on a five-year deal from Bologna in July. The club invested £36.5 million for the striker, according to Sky Sports, as part of Erik ten Hag’s effort to build a Dutch-centric squad.

However, after netting only once in the Premier League throughout the season, Zirkzee has had difficulties while wearing the red shirt.

Manchester United may consider parting ways with Joshua Zirkzee in January

Zirkzee had an impressive season under Thiago Motta at Serie A last year. He was later called up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, with Motta drawing comparisons between the player and the iconic Ronaldinho.

Italian publication Calciomercato first suggested last month that the 23-year-old might be eyeing a swift return to Italy, especially since Zirkzee has not found the net since the opening match of the Premier League season. Now, it has been reported that the former Bayern Munich player has indeed requested to leave the club.

Another Italian outlet, La Stampa, reiterated Calciomercato ‘s report of the player’s potential departure, suggesting that Juventus might reconnect him with Motta.

With Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik sidelined due to injuries, Motta, the current head coach of the Old Lady, appears eager to recruit a new striker. There is a possibility that Zirkzee could be acquired on loan.

“The former Bologna talent is dissatisfied and is giving serious thought to leaving during the winter transfer window,” the report indicates. “He has instructed his agents to explore alternatives and to engage with Juve.”

However, according to eScored, linking Zirkzee with a transfer at this stage is likely premature.

Media reports from Italy have frequently associated both Zirkzee and Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa with potential returns to Serie A since their exits from the league. This may come across as overzealous, as both players are still relatively new to their clubs, and it’s improbable that either would be allowed to leave during a season with increasing injuries in the Premier League.

Zirkzee holds a market value of €50 million according to Transfermarkt. United will face Ipswich Town this weekend as the Premier League returns.