Man Utd primed to greenlight subsequent switch with talks underway over imminent transfer
Manchester United are looking to be busy in the transfer window with one player looking to be moving closer to the exit door.
Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave Manchester United this summer(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is edging closer to the exit door at Old Trafford, with talks underway over a loan deal that will see him move to Juventus.
The Dutchman has struggled to make an impact with United since completing a £34 million transfer from Bologna two years ago. He has been linked with an exit throughout the summer window as he searches for more game time, having fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick.
In the second half of last season, Zirkzee was selected in the starting XI in a Premier League fixture just once. He is currently with the United squad as they prepare for the new season, and was on the scoresheet in last Friday’s 5-0 win over Rosenborg.
Joshua Zirkzee came on as a second half substitute for Manchester United in the friendly vs Atletico Madrid.(Image: Michael Campanella, Getty Images)
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However, according to Sky Sports Italy, United are now on the verge of rubber-stamping Zirkzee’s departure, with discussions progressing over a season-long loan switch to Juventus. Personal terms between Zirkzee and Juve have been agreed, and the Serie A outfit remains optimistic about securing the Netherlands international with a purchase option included for next summer.
United would have favoured an outright sale, but must now accept a temporary arrangement, with Juventus’ Chief Football Officer Fredric Massara spearheading negotiations for the transfer.
Despite his goal against Rosenborg, Carrick opted to demote Zirkzee to the substitutes’ bench for the clash against Atletico, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the line. It’s a choice that ultimately proved successful as Mbeumo found the net twice for United as they recovered from a deficit to secure their second friendly victory of the summer with a 2-1 win.
Joshua Zirkzee has slipped down the pecking order under Michael Carrick(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Zirkzee was brought in by Erik ten Hag in 2024 following United’s FA Cup triumph. Nevertheless, despite finding the scoresheet on his Premier League bow against Fulham and beginning the campaign as the club’s primary No.9, Rasmus Hojlund was favoured by Ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy and subsequently Ruben Amorim.
Though he did conclude the season with over 2,200 minutes to his name, he managed merely seven strikes and discovered himself slipping down the hierarchy when Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko arrived last summer.
The former Bayern Munich talent scored twice across 26 appearances last season and is now anticipated to depart with Juventus spearheading the pursuit and moving closer to securing his services.
Zirkzee is set to join Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir in exiting the Old Trafford gates, with both players nearing transfers. Vitek is poised to complete a £7million plus add-ons switch to Championship side Middlesbrough, while Bayindir has agreed to link up with La Liga outfit Celta Vigo on a season-long loan arrangement.
In terms of arrivals, United are searching for a new left-back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall in their sights. Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni remains connected with a switch to the Reds.
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