In the January transfer window, SportWitness constantly covered AS Roma’s interest in Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
There was belief the player was interested in a switch to the Giallorossi. The Italian side tried hard but couldn’t quite meet the Red Devils’ price tag for the attacker.
Despite his wishes, Zirkzee never really pushed for an exit from Manchester United. He was also injured for a couple of weeks towards the end of January, and hasn’t made a single start under Michael Carrick yet.
The Dutchman was also never really an important player for Ruben Amorim, who often used Matheus Cunha as a striker.
Now, regret is emerging and Zirkzee can possibly return to Italy soon.
Manchester United want €30m deal
Calciomercato IT report today that initially, Zirkzee was keen on proving himself to Carrick. That hasn’t quite happened and as a result, he is likely to move back to Italy in the summer.
As of now, Juventus are leading the race for him, even if there is interest from multiple clubs.
The Bianconeri are very likely to lose Dusan Vlahovic in the summer. The Serbian’s contract runs out at that point and there are no signs of a renewal. Jonathan David hasn’t made a mark consistently, with Lois Openda’s signing ending up as a complete failure.
This is making Juve consider a move for Zirkzee, who will be interested in the switch.
A deal can now be cheaper than earlier, with Manchester United demanding €30m. In January, that price tag was closer to €40m, making sure Roma failed in their move.
Manchester United exit can help Zirkzee
In the past few weeks, it is obvious that the 24-year-old’s stint at Old Trafford is on its last legs.
Carrick has used Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko much more regularly upfront. Even if Zirkzee has been available on the bench, he has picked up very limited minutes.
Things could yet chance but it does look like the striker doesn’t have a long-term future at Manchester United.
Luciano Spalletti’s system has always had link-up strikers thrive, as evident from his usage of Victor Osimhen at Napoli. Even David has shown glimpses of that, when he is doing well.
That is why Zirkzee going to Juve could be a good move for the ex-Bologna player. He still has a lot of admirers in Italy and it is time for him to capitalise on the chance.
