Man Utd now preparing to replace £36.5m attacker alongside Casemiro - report
Manchester United are actively assessing the striker market, with Joshua Zirkzee increasingly likely to leave this summer.
The Red Devils have already confirmed the departure of midfielder Casemiro. He will part ways when his contract expires at the end of June.
There could be more departures before a huge spending spree. United insider Sully reports that Zirkzee is increasingly likely to leave United.
The club are already looking at striker options for the summer. Internal recruitment meetings will start to advance over the coming weeks.
Zirkzee poised to leave Red Devils
The Dutchman arrived at United with a glowing reputation from Bologna for £36.5 million in 2024.
However, his Red Devils career has not gone as anticipated. Zirkzee initially played second fiddle to Rasmus Hojlund, and his minutes have been reduced further this term.
United signed Benjamin Sesko after loaning out Hojlund. Alongside the Slovenian, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have also been preferred for the number nine position.
Hence, Zirkzee finds himself as potentially the fourth-choice striker in the ranks. He is set to miss out on the Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The 24-year-old will no doubt push for a new challenge in the summer. Juventus have emerged as a strong candidate to purchase him, with his agent working hard behind the scenes.
It has been reported that the Bianconeri could prise Zirkzee away for £21.6m. We believe United must hold out for at least £30m for the striker, given he is still in his prime at 24.
Alongside Casemiro and Zirkzee, there could be more player exits. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte could be on the move, too, amid his lack of regular playing time during the league season.
His representative tried to push through a loan move to Ajax last winter without success. The Uruguayan could be on his way out on a permanent basis at the end of the campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .