"Bags packed": 24yo star poised to leave Man Utd with Juventus keen, could depart for £21.6m
Manchester United have been impressive during the back end of the Premier League season and look on course to qualify for the Champions League.
Interim manager Michael Carrick has done a tremendous job of turning United’s fortunes around, and the club are currently third in the league table.
The 44-year-old could secure a permanent role in the summer. This could coincide with multiple changes to the squad. Joshua Zirkzee could be among those to depart.
Zirkzee was the subject of interest from Roma during the last transfer window.
The Giallorossi were exploring a loan with an obligation to buy for £30 million if they qualified for the Champions League, but the proposed deal never materialised.
Zirkzee’s stance changed after Ruben Amorim was replaced by Carrick. United were likewise reluctant to sanction the forward’s departure during the winter period.
The Dutch striker was hoping for a turnaround under Carrick, but his situation has barely changed. He has hardly got off the bench during the last couple of months.
Hence, a summer departure appears on the cards. The Netherlands international has his ‘bags packed’ in Manchester and his career with the Red Devils is ‘over’.
His agent Kia Joorabchian is working on a return to Serie A, with Juventus having joined the race.
Zirkzee’s price has reportedly dropped significantly. The 24-year-old could now leave for just £21.6 million. Juventus have long been interested in recruiting him.
The Bianconeri could also propose a loan with an obligation to buy, subject to certain conditions.
Man Utd set to part ways with Zirkzee this summer
The former Bologna man has had a tough career with the Red Devils. He has failed to nail down a starting position during his two seasons under different managers.
Zirkzee started as a backup for Rasmus Hojlund. Hojlund left for Napoli on loan last summer, but his situation has not improved during the ongoing campaign.
He has seen Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo preferred ahead of him to lead the line. This is set to cost him a World Cup berth with the Netherlands.
Zirkzee will certainly pursue a new challenge in the summer. United may have to cut their losses on the striker, who was signed for £36.5m from Bologna in 2024.
Still, the hierarchy must stand firm on a higher valuation. Zirkzee was a good success with Bologna. He accumulated 19 goal contributions during his final season.
The Bayern Munich graduate is still only 24 and has the prime years of his career ahead of him.
We believe United should hold out for at least £30m for his summer departure. The club could receive such a package from a fellow Premier League outfit in the next transfer window.
If Juventus are keen on signing him, United should urge them to meet such a price. The hierarchy should not entertain a loan unless there is a mandatory buy clause with no conditions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .