Manchester United have given the green light for Joshua Zirkzee to join Juventus on loan for the upcoming season, according to reports in Italy. The Serie A club have been in talks with United over a deal for the Dutch forward, but a breakthrough has now been reached, with the loan move set to include a purchase option.
Zirkzee's Struggles at Old Trafford
Zirkzee arrived at Manchester United in 2024 as a £36.5 million signing from Bologna under Erik ten Hag. However, the Netherlands international has failed to live up to expectations, scoring just nine goals in 75 appearances across two seasons. His lack of form has seen him fall down the pecking order, and United are now willing to let him leave on a temporary basis.
The report from Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday suggests that United's approval is a significant step forward in the negotiations. Juventus have been keen to bring Zirkzee to Turin, but the two clubs have struggled to agree on the structure of the deal. The inclusion of a purchase option is seen as a compromise that could satisfy both parties.
Juventus Optimistic, But United Prefer Permanent Sale
While Juventus are aiming to secure a loan without a mandatory purchase obligation, United would prefer a permanent sale for the 25-year-old next year. The Italian club's hierarchy are growing increasingly optimistic that an agreement will be reached, with the purchase option likely to be set at a reasonable figure.
Juventus are currently in Perth for their pre-season tour, while Zirkzee has been included in United's squad for their friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on Saturday. This suggests that the deal is not yet finalised, but progress is being made.
Spalletti Downplays Need for Prolific Striker
Speaking ahead of Juventus's friendly against Inter this weekend, head coach Luciano Spalletti insisted that he does not need a prolific striker in his squad. 'It's an empty space if we have to draw a pitch. But we can fill this gap,' Spalletti said. 'It's not important to have just one striker who can score 20 goals per season. I'm sure that overall, the players we want can surpass the 20-goal mark.'
Spalletti emphasised the importance of having multiple goal threats, especially with a congested fixture schedule. 'We play on Sundays and Thursdays, it's better to have multiple players who can provide us with goals so we can rotate them between games. We also have [Jeff] Ekhator who can fill the penalty area. We're pretty comfortable.'
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Manchester United, offloading Zirkzee on loan could free up wages and potentially bring in a fee if the purchase option is exercised. The club have been active in the transfer market this summer, and this move could allow them to reinvest in other areas of the squad.
For Juventus, Zirkzee would provide additional attacking depth and versatility. With the club competing in multiple competitions, having a player of his calibre could be beneficial. The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days, pending final terms.
Zirkzee's departure would mark the end of a disappointing spell at Old Trafford, but a move to Serie A could reignite his career. The Dutchman previously thrived in Italy with Bologna, and a return to familiar surroundings might help him rediscover his form.
