With Joshua Zirkzee open to a Juventus move, Manchester United now have the perfect opportunity to offload the Netherlands forward.
Michael Carrick is still learning about his Manchester United team as he attempts to build a squad for the future, with help from Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell.
United’s 1-0 defeat to Wrexham was about the players building fitness at the beginning of pre-season, but it was also a reminder that United need to sign another forward.
Heading into the new season with Zirkzee as secondary cover for Benjamin Sesko is a huge risk given his lack of goals since signing for United (9 goals in 75 matches). However, Matheus Cunha offers alternative depth up front, having performed well as a false 9 for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.
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Joshua Zirkzee open to Juventus switch
United often struggle to sell players because of their salaries, as well as a reluctance to leave one of the biggest football clubs in the world.
That does not appear to be a problem for Zirkzee, especially if Juventus can reach an agreement with United.
According to Gazzetta, Zirkzee has given his approval to a move to Juventus, but the focus right now is on a loan deal.
It remains to be seen if United are open to sending Zirkzee out on loan and if Juventus covering the majority of his salary could sway their decision.
That said, Zirkzee’s green light for the switch suggests the 25-year-old is willing to leave Old Trafford.
Zirkzee isn’t playing regular football at United, and that is unlikely to change in the forthcoming campaign under Michael Carrick because Sesko is the main striker.
United would benefit from replacing Zirkzee with a forward who has an eye for goal. That sort of competition could also pay dividends towards Sesko’s development as a Premier League centre-forward.
Zirkzee has travelled with United to Norway, where the Reds face Rosenborg in the second match of the 2026 pre-season tour.
The best-case scenario for United would be selling Zirkzee and putting that money towards better cover for Sesko.
- ⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Juventus want to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan
- Zirkzee is willing to leave Manchester United
- The 25-year-old has scored 9 goals in 75 matches for United since signing from Bologna
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Joshua Zirkzee’s Serie A stats
Zirkzee has already had two separate spells in Serie A.
The Italian chapter of Zirkzee’s career began at Udinese, where he made four league appearances.
Then, after two seasons at Bologna after leaving Bayern Munich, Zirkzee scored 13 goals in 53 appearances.
Joshua Zirkzee’s Serie A record in numbers:
- Appearances: 57 appearances
- Goals: 13
- Assists: 7
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