Napoli are keen on signing Manchester United‘s Joshua Zirkzee in January and have come up with a ‘solid strategy’ to acquire his signature.
The Netherlands international hasn’t enjoyed a prominent role since joining the Red Devils from Bologna in July 2024.
To put it in context, he played 2,791 minutes from 79 matches for Manchester United, scoring nine goals and four assists.
His game time has dropped drastically since Michael Carrick took charge in January, only playing 197 minutes from 14 matches. The manager has utilised the forward 20 minutes in the league this season.
Juventus wanted to offer him an escape route by signing him on loan. Manchester United were open as long as there’s an obligation to buy, which didn’t please Juve. Therefore, the move didn’t go through in the summer window.
Allgeri wants Manchester United man
Former Old Trafford striker Rasmus Højlund is the first-choice striker for Massimiliano Allegri. Lorenzo Lucca, who is the Dane’s deputy, hasn’t fully convinced the Naples club’s manager.
Therefore, the Serie A side want to sign a new striker, and Area Napoli states their focus is on Joshua Zirkzee.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has a ‘solid strategy in place’ to take the 25-year-old away from Manchester United. He has ‘two unexpected allies’ in Højlund and Scott McTominay to convince him.
The Dutchman played with the striker and the midfielder at the Premier League side. He joined them in July 2024, while the Scotland international left Manchester United for Napoli more than a month later.
During the 2024/25, McTominay played three matches for the Red Devils and two were with Zirkzee.
Competition to sign Manchester United player
The former Bologna man has already said yes to a potential return to the Serie A. This will certainly please Massimiliano Allegri’s side, who have to be wary of competition especially from Juventus.
Having failed to sign Joshu Zirkzee, the Old Lady ended up securing Nick Woltemade on loan from Newcastle United. On Friday, Sport Witness explained how Manchester United’s tough stance and UEFA’s restrictions forced them to settle for the German.
Juventus have to get rid of Woltemade first to make room for Joshua Zirkzee. This gives Napoli an advantage over the Old Lady to sign him in the winter market.
Area Napoli makes no mention whether they are exploring a loan or a permanent transfer. Three days ago, we relayed news Michael Carrick’s side want €35m for the attacker in January.
