The future of Joshua Zirkzee remains uncertain. In every transfer window since his arrival in the Premier League at Manchester United, the Dutch striker has been on the radar of numerous clubs across Europe, especially those in Serie A.
But what will his fate be in the next summer transfer window?
- His season at United:
His time in Manchester has certainly not been positive. In 20 appearances across the league, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup (totaling just 546 minutes on the pitch, with only 4 starts) he has recorded 2 goals and 1 assist.
Overall, a disappointing return for Zirkzee himself, who now seems ready to change direction in his professional career and return to where he showed all his talent.
- Priority: Italy
As reported by Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s Italian YouTube channel, due to limited playing time this season (just 28 minutes across the last nine Premier League matches), Zirkzee is expected to become a hot topic again in the upcoming transfer window.
The Dutch center-forward has a very clear priority: to return to Italy and play in Serie A again.
Competition, however, will be strong. Several Premier League clubs have already made inquiries with the player’s entourage and Manchester United to potentially set up a deal in the summer. Still, various Italian teams are closely monitoring the situation.
The Roma background story
During the winter transfer window, Zirkzee was already close to returning to Serie A: he was on the verge of joining Roma.
Manchester United, however, decided to wait, partly due to players being called up for the Africa Cup of Nations, and chose not to let him go, preferring to keep him in the squad for the second half of the season. As a result, they continued together, and Roma (despite having reached a basic agreement with the Dutchman) shifted their focus to other targets such as Malen and Vaz.
Where could Zirkzee go?
In the summer transfer window, several Serie A clubs could overhaul their attacking departments: Inter, Juventus, Milan, Napoli, and Roma.
Inter, under Chivu, could be interested if Marcus Thuram were to leave; Juventus, coached by Spalletti, have already explored the player in the past and must also deal with the futures of Openda and David; Milan, under Allegri, a club he seemed destined for before joining Manchester Unitedى will need to resolve situations involving Gimenez, Nkunku, and Füllkrug; Napoli, led by Conte, who has admired him before, could consider a player of his profile; finally, Roma, now under Gasperini, might revisit their interest after the failed January move.
So, will Italy once again be Joshua Zirkzee’s next destination? Very likely and it seems almost certain that Manchester United will not be part of his future.
Source: Calcio Mercato
