Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly prepared to end his Manchester United career after giving Juventus the green light to pursue a move for the Dutch striker this summer.
The 25-year-old is believed to be eager to return to Serie A following a frustrating spell at Old Trafford, where he has struggled to live up to expectations since joining from Bologna.
Juventus Receive Positive Response
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have made significant progress in their pursuit of Zirkzee after receiving an initial positive response from the player’s representatives.
The Bianconeri have been monitoring the striker for months and now believe a deal is achievable during the summer transfer window.
Zirkzee signed for Manchester United in 2024 in a deal worth around £36.5 million after impressing with Bologna in Serie A. However, his time in England has not gone according to plan.
Across two Premier League seasons, the Netherlands international has managed just five league goals, failing to establish himself as a regular match-winner for the Red Devils.
Manchester United Willing to Listen to Offers
Juventus’ interest is being led by the club’s new head of football, Ricky Massara, who has admired Zirkzee for some time.
Italian reports claim Massara spent several hours speaking with the striker’s representatives during the winter transfer window, and those discussions have now paved the way for renewed negotiations.
Manchester United are also believed to be open to a sale as they continue reshaping the squad under manager Michael Carrick.
The Premier League club are reportedly looking for a transfer fee between €35 million and €40 million, although a loan deal with an option—or even an obligation—to buy could also be considered if Juventus cannot immediately meet the asking price.
Juventus Planning Major Attack Overhaul
Zirkzee is not the only forward on Juventus’ shopping list.
The Italian giants are also working to bring Randal Kolo Muani back to Turin a
fter the French international impressed during his loan spell in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
Juventus hope to rebuild their attacking line by pairing Kolo Muani with Zirkzee, creating a new-look frontline capable of leading the club back into Serie A title contention and making a stronger impact in European competition.
With both players reportedly open to the move, Juventus are expected to intensify talks in the coming weeks.
Gullit’s Earlier Warning Looks Accurate
A potential exit from Manchester United would also reinforce comments previously made by Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, who questioned whether Old Trafford was the right destination for Zirkzee.
Gullit had argued that the striker’s technical style was better suited to Italian football and believed he should have remained in Serie A after his successful spell with Bologna.
Reflecting on the transfer, Gullit said:
“For me, there was always a doubt that it was the right decision to go to Manchester United. I think he should have stayed in Serie A. He was doing well with Bologna and I think he should have gone to a better team in Italy.”
With Juventus now stepping up their pursuit and Manchester United seemingly willing to negotiate, Zirkzee could soon be heading back to familiar surroundings in Italy in a move that may offer the fresh start both player and club are looking for.
