Juventus renew interest in Zirkzee
Juventus have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, making contact with the Dutch forward’s representatives. The Serie A giants are exploring alternative options in the transfer market as negotiations for other attacking targets, such as Randal Kolo Muani of Paris Saint-Germain, have encountered difficulties. Zirkzee has now emerged as a significant candidate for the Turin club.
According to reports from Italy, Juventus remain in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Kolo Muani but have not yet reached an agreement. This ongoing challenge has led Juventus to reopen talks concerning Zirkzee. Initial contact has reportedly been established with the player’s camp, and his estimated annual salary is not anticipated to be a major hurdle for the club.
This is not the first instance of Juventus showing interest in Zirkzee. The club reportedly attempted to sign him in the summer of 2024 and again during the January transfer window earlier this year, though neither approach progressed. The current renewed interest comes as Juventus seeks a replacement following the recent departure of Dusan Vlahovic.
Manchester United’s stance on transfer
Manchester United are understood to value Zirkzee at between €35 million and €40 million. The Premier League club may now be willing to consider more flexible deal structures, a shift from their previous stance of insisting on a permanent transfer. During the January transfer window, Manchester United had rejected loan proposals for Zirkzee, preferring either a permanent sale or a loan with a mandatory purchase clause.
Reports suggest that Manchester United could now be more receptive to creative arrangements, provided they can ultimately secure a permanent transfer close to their valuation. This change in approach could enhance Juventus’s prospects of reaching an agreement before the commencement of the new Serie A season. The club’s attacking department could see further changes before the transfer window closes, with Zirkzee’s future being one area of uncertainty.
The potential transfer of Zirkzee is not guaranteed, however. With Benjamin Sesko currently sidelined due to injury, Manchester United might opt to retain Zirkzee to provide additional cover as Michael Carrick evaluates his attacking options for the upcoming season. Despite this, Juventus’s sustained interest in the Dutch forward is evident.
Zirkzee’s recent performance and career
Zirkzee experienced a challenging period at Old Trafford during the 2025/26 campaign, struggling to secure a consistent place in the team. He made 24 Premier League appearances but accumulated only 609 league minutes, as competition for attacking positions intensified within the squad. Both Ruben Amorim and his successor, Michael Carrick, reportedly showed a clear preference for Benjamin Sesko.
The limited playing time also impacted Zirkzee’s international prospects, leading to his exclusion from the Netherlands national team selection. He is reportedly keen on securing more regular first-team minutes, which contributes to the speculation surrounding a potential return to Italy. Prior to his move to Manchester United, Zirkzee had built a strong reputation.
During the 2023/24 season with Bologna, Zirkzee had a notable campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing 7 assists in 37 appearances. These performances earned him regular call-ups to the Netherlands national team and attracted attention from several prominent European clubs. However, his form has not reached those levels since joining Manchester United, leading to increased speculation that the club might be prepared to sell him.
Ricky Massara, the new Juventus sporting director, could play a crucial role in any potential transfer. Massara previously attempted to sign Zirkzee for Roma during his tenure in the Italian capital and has remained an admirer of the former Bologna forward. Additionally, former Juventus football executive Cristiano Giuntoli had also monitored the Dutch international before his departure from the club. Juventus are expected to continue discussions for both Kolo Muani and Zirkzee in the coming weeks as they finalise their attacking strategies.
Read Also
- Madrid welcomes Spain's World Cup champions as Argentina faces FIFA investigation
- Spain celebrates World Cup triumph as Argentina’s media defends team
- White House includes Trump in World Cup final photos after FIFA crops him out
- Blackpool: Cameron Menzies stuns Luke Humphries in World Matchplay first round
Source: footballplace.co.uk
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
