Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee in the upcoming January transfer window to strengthen their frontline.
The Bianconeriwho finished third in Serie A last season, have failed to claim a title in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign. They are currently sixth in the standings with 31 points from 17 league games and have not lost a single one.
That’s why, according to Spanish news website Fichajes.net, Juventus have identified Zirkzee as one of their top transfer targets ahead of the winter transfer window. Bianconeri manager Thiago Motta is said to believe that the Dutch international would fit perfectly into his current football project.
The Juventus hierarchy are said to be willing to spend almost £42 million to lure Zirkzee away from Manchester United next month. It is believed they are keen to reunite the Dutch striker with Motta, who coached the player at Bologna.
Zirkzee, who left Bologna for more than £36 million earlier this summer, was a key starter for Motta’s Bologna side last season. The former Bayern Munich star scored twelve goals and provided seven assists in a total of 37 games in the 2023/24 season.
Expert labels Manchester United star ‘a flop’
In a conversation with betting website Paddy Power, Liverpool CEO Mark Lawrenson shared his honest opinion about Joshua Zirkzee. He explained (h/t Metro):
“Joshua Zirkzee has been a bit of a flop since joining Manchester United this summer. I hate to use that word but he’s just been in and out of the team and hasn’t had any consistency. The strikers at United are all fighting for their place in the team and it seems that unless you play excellently there is no guarantee you will be in the team next week.”
Lawrenson, who helped Liverpool win 12 trophies as a player, added:
“This shows to me that the manager has a much bigger job. Every time Ruben Amorim chooses a team it is different, because he tries to select his best team from his squad. The problem is that the manager has too much players.” players to choose from and he won’t be able to keep them all happy.”
Zirkzee, whose current contract expires in June 2029, has struggled to cement himself as a key player for Manchester United so far this season. He has registered four goals and two assists in 25 league appearances for his club so far.
The 23-year-old is likely to feature for Manchester United in a Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday (December 26).
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee